U.S. patent application number 13/012116 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for orthodontic appliance systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mr. Christopher C. Cosse. Invention is credited to Christopher C. Cosse, Christopher W. Laborde.
Application Number | 20110183280 13/012116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44309225 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110183280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cosse; Christopher C. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE SYSTEMS
Abstract
Orthodontic appliance systems including self-ligating
orthodontic brackets and/or orthodontic brackets that include a
prescription-altering insert that is configured to be removably
coupled to the bracket. The prescriptive insert may be optional in
some embodiments. In some embodiments, the prescriptive insert may
define and/or alter the prescription of the bracket, such as a
prescription defined by the bracket when the insert is not
utilized. A plurality of prescriptive inserts may be provided, with
each insert defining a unique orthodontic prescription when coupled
to the bracket. In some embodiments, the bracket is a self-ligating
bracket that includes a base and a repositionable closure for
selectively obstructing an opening in an archwire passage of the
bracket. In some embodiments, the closure defines more than one
side, or wall, of the archwire passage and/or is pivotally coupled
to the base by a floating hinge or other displaceable positioning
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Cosse; Christopher C.;
(Shreveport, LA) ; Laborde; Christopher W.;
(Nashville, TN) |
Assignee: |
Cosse; Mr. Christopher C.
Shreveport
LA
|
Family ID: |
44309225 |
Appl. No.: |
13/012116 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61434946 |
Jan 21, 2011 |
|
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61297870 |
Jan 25, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 7/285 20130101;
A61C 7/28 20130101; A61C 7/14 20130101; A61C 7/287 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/13 |
International
Class: |
A61C 7/28 20060101
A61C007/28 |
Claims
1. An orthodontic appliance system, comprising: an orthodontic
bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth and including a
plurality of bracket archwire contacting surfaces; and a
prescriptive insert adapted to be removably coupled to the bracket
and including an insert archwire contacting surface, wherein when
the prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, the bracket and
prescriptive insert collectively define an archwire passage that is
adapted to receive an archwire, wherein the archwire passage is
defined by the plurality of bracket archwire contacting surfaces
and the insert archwire contacting surface.
2. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 1, wherein the
archwire passage is a first archwire passage, and wherein when the
prescriptive insert is not coupled to the bracket, the bracket
alone defines a second archwire passage that is adapted to receive
the archwire, wherein the second archwire passage shares at least
one common surface with the first archwire passage.
3. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 2, wherein when the
prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, the prescriptive
insert prevents at least one of the plurality of bracket archwire
contacting surfaces from engaging the associated archwire when the
archwire is received in the first archwire passage.
4. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 2, wherein when the
bracket is coupled to a tooth, when the prescriptive insert is
coupled to the bracket, and when the associated archwire is
received in the first archwire passage, the archwire imparts a
first prescriptive force; and wherein when the bracket is coupled
to a tooth, when the prescriptive insert is not coupled to the
bracket, and when the archwire is received in the second archwire
passage, the archwire imparts a second prescriptive force that is
different than the first prescriptive force.
5. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of prescriptive inserts each adapted to be removably
coupled to the bracket to collectively define with the bracket a
unique archwire passage.
6. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 1, wherein the bracket
is a self-ligating bracket and includes: a base adapted to be
coupled to the patient's tooth; a closure coupled to the base for
selective movement relative to the base for selective insertion and
removal of the archwire.
7. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 1, wherein the
archwire passage is configured to receive the archwire in a
plurality of orientations, wherein each orientation defines a
unique prescription of the orthodontic appliance system.
8. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 7, wherein the
archwire passage includes at least one non-planar surface
configured to engage the archwire in more than one of the plurality
of orientations.
9. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 7, wherein the
archwire passage includes at least one surface that includes a
convex surface extending into the archwire passage.
10. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 9, wherein the convex
surface includes an apex, and wherein the archwire passage is
configured to selectively receive the archwire so that it engages
the convex surface on either side of the apex.
11. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 2, wherein the first
archwire passage has a different cross-sectional configuration than
the second archwire passage.
12. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 1, wherein when the
prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, it prevents at least
one of the plurality of archwire bracket surfaces from engaging the
archwire when the archwire is received in the archwire passage.
13. An orthodontic appliance system, comprising: an orthodontic
bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth, wherein the
bracket defines a first archwire passage adapted to receive an
archwire and having a first cross-sectional profile adapted to
impart a first prescriptive force on the patient's tooth when the
archwire is received in the first archwire passage; and a
prescription-altering insert configured to be removeably coupled to
the bracket, wherein when the prescription-altering insert is
coupled to the bracket, the bracket and the prescription-altering
insert collectively define a second archwire passage adapted to
receive the archwire and having a second cross-sectional profile
adapted to impart a second prescriptive force on the patient's
tooth when the archwire is received in the second archwire passage;
wherein the first archwire passage and the second archwire passage
share at least one common surface of the bracket.
14. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 13, wherein the first
archwire passage is defined by a plurality of bracket surfaces, and
wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to the
bracket, it prevents at least one of the plurality of bracket
surfaces from engaging the archwire when the archwire is received
in the second archwire passage.
15. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 13, further
comprising a plurality of prescription-altering inserts, wherein
each of the plurality of prescription-altering inserts together
with the bracket collectively define a unique second archwire
passage when the respective prescription-altering insert is coupled
to the bracket.
16. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 13, wherein the
second prescriptive force is different than the first prescriptive
force.
17. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 13, wherein the
second cross-sectional profile is different than the first
cross-sectional profile.
18. The orthodontic appliance system of claim 13, wherein the
bracket is a self-ligating bracket and includes: a base adapted to
be coupled to the patient's tooth; a closure coupled to the base
for selective movement relative to the base for selective insertion
and removal of the archwire.
19. A self-ligating orthodontic appliance system, comprising: a
base adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth; a closure coupled
to the base for selective movement relative to the base, wherein
the base and the closure collectively define an archwire passage
adapted to receive an associated archwire; and wherein the base and
the closure collectively define a connecting assembly configured to
movably connect the closure to the base and to permit selective
configuration of the orthodontic appliance between an open
configuration, in which the archwire passage is configured to
permit selective insertion and removal of the associated archwire
to and from the archwire passage, and a closed configuration, in
which the archwire passage is configured to retain the associated
archwire within the archwire passage, wherein the connecting
assembly defines a floating hinge that includes: a pair of male
portions; and a pair of female portions that each define a recess
for receiving a respective male portion, wherein the floating hinge
is configured so that the male portions are biased toward a nominal
position within the recesses when an external lateral force on the
closure relative to the base is less than a displacement force, and
so that the male portions are translated away from the recesses
when the external lateral force on the closure relative to the base
is greater than or equal to the displacement force.
20. A self-ligating orthodontic appliance system, comprising: a
base adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth; and a closure
coupled to the base for selective movement relative to the base
among a range of prescription-defining positions, wherein the base
and the closure collectively define an archwire passage adapted to
receive an associated archwire, wherein the closure is adapted to
be selectively secured in more than one of the
prescription-defining positions, wherein each prescription-defining
position defines a unique prescription that corresponds to a unique
prescriptive force that is applied to the patient's tooth when the
bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth and when the associated
archwire is received in the archwire passage.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/297,870, which is entitled "SELF-LIGATING ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS,"
which was filed on Jan. 25, 2010, and the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference, and to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/434,946, which is entitled "SELF-LIGATING
ORTHODONTIC BRACKETS," which was filed on Jan. 21, 2011, and the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to orthodontic
hardware and more particularly to orthodontic appliance
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Orthodontic brackets are typically small, slotted devices
for use during orthodontic treatment. The brackets are usually
configured for attachment to the front surfaces of teeth, either by
directly cementing the bracket to a tooth surface or by bonding the
bracket to a metal band that encircles the tooth, though they also
may be attached to the back surfaces of teeth. The slots in the
brackets, which may be referred to as archwire slots or archwire
passages, are disposed horizontally or generally horizontally and
are configured to receive an archwire. Traditionally, an archwire
is a resilient, curved piece of wire that may be bent or twisted
prior to installation in the bracket slots, with an archwire
typically extending through the slots of all of the orthodontic
brackets that are attached to a patient's upper or lower teeth. The
engagement between the archwire and the brackets create corrective,
or prescriptive, forces that are directed to the teeth by the
orthodontic brackets to urge the teeth into a correct or desired
alignment or occlusion.
[0004] The archwire may be secured in the bracket slots by a
variety of mechanisms, such as depending on the bracket
configuration. For example, a "ligating" bracket typically requires
a separate fastener, such as a ligature wire or elastic band, which
is tied or otherwise positioned around ligating structures, such as
tie wings, on the bracket body to secure the archwire in place. A
"self-ligating" bracket, on the other hand, typically includes a
clamp, gate, or other self-locking mechanism, such as a closeable
bracket slot, that allows such a bracket to retain the archwire
without requiring the use of ligatures or other separate
fasteners.
[0005] Expressed in slightly different terms, a conventional
ligating bracket defines an archwire slot with an opening
(typically extending in a plane generally parallel to the base of
the bracket and/or surface of the corresponding tooth to which the
bracket is secured) into which the archwire may be inserted into
the slot (other than by axially inserting the archwire through the
opposed ends of the archwire slot), with the opening requiring a
ligature or other structure that is not part of the bracket to
obstruct or otherwise close the opening to prevent removal of the
archwire therethrough. In contrast, a conventional self-ligating
bracket defines an archwire slot (such as may be similar or
identical to the above-discussed archwire slot of a conventional
bracket), but also includes a movable gate or closure. The gate, or
closure, is coupled to the body of the bracket and is configured to
be slid, pivoted, or otherwise moved from an open position, in
which an archwire may be inserted into the archwire passage through
the opening, to a closed position, in which the opening of the
archwire passage is closed or otherwise obstructed to prevent
removal of the archwire therethrough.
[0006] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of ligating orthodontic
brackets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,688, 6,582,226,
4,597,739, 4,878,840, 3,772,787, 4,248,588, 4,492,573, 4,614,497,
4,698,017, 1,280,628, 1,821,171, and 3,435,527, the complete
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of self-ligating orthodontic
brackets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,659,766, 6,655,957,
6,358,045, 6,193,508, 5,857,850, 5,711,666, 5,562,444, 5,322,435,
5,094,614, 4,559,012, 4,531,911, 4,492,573, 4,419,078, 4,371,337,
4,077,126, 4,144,642, 4,248,588, 4,698,017, 3,772,787, 4,559,012,
4,561,844, 4,655,708, 4,077,126, 4,419,078, 4,197,642, 4,712,999,
and 4,171,568, the complete disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. Still further additional examples of
orthodontic brackets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,819,660,
7,771,640, and 6,632,088, the complete disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference. The structures, features,
applications, and methods of the above-identified references may be
utilized with and/or incorporated into orthodontic appliance
systems according to the present disclosure to the extent that
doing so does not conflict with the express provisions of the
instant disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Various orthodontic appliances and appliance systems are
disclosed herein.
[0008] Some orthodontic appliance systems according to the present
disclosure include an orthodontic bracket or bracket assembly,
which may be a self-ligating bracket or bracket assembly, and a
prescriptive, or prescription-altering, insert that is adapted to
be removably coupled to the bracket. In some embodiments, the
prescriptive insert may be optional, in that the bracket may alone
define a unique orthodontic prescription. In some embodiments, the
prescriptive insert may define and/or alter the prescription of the
bracket. Additionally, a plurality of prescriptive inserts may be
provided, with each insert defining a unique orthodontic
prescription with the bracket when the insert is coupled to the
bracket.
[0009] Some orthodontic appliance systems according to the present
disclosure include a self-ligating bracket assembly and include a
base and a closure coupled to the base, and in some embodiments
removably coupled to the base. In some embodiments, a plurality of
closures may be provided, with each closure defining a unique
orthodontic prescription with the base when the closure is coupled
to the base.
[0010] Also disclosed herein are bracket assemblies, including
self-ligating bracket assemblies, that are configured to redirect
and/or absorb mechanical forces that are applied to the bracket
assembly without debonding from the tooth or being damaged. The
bracket assembly may be designed to absorb these forces through the
inclusion of one or more of a variety of features, including
force-directing or force-deflecting structures on the outer surface
of the bracket assembly; connecting assemblies between the base and
the cap that may include shock-absorbing capabilities and/or may be
displaced a certain distance from their equilibrium position
without damage; floating hinges that interconnect a closure portion
of the self-ligating bracket assembly with a base portion of the
self-ligating bracket assembly; and/or connecting assemblies that
are designed to release, or disengage, the cap from the base, thus
releasing the arch wire, prior to the bracket assembly being
damaged or debonded from the tooth.
[0011] Further disclosed are bracket assemblies that are configured
to define a plurality of archwire passages that permit more than
one defined, or predefined, orientation of an associated archwire.
Other configurations of orthodontic appliance systems and bracket
assemblies also are disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration representing
illustrative, non-exclusive examples of orthodontic appliances and
orthodontic appliance systems according to the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative, non-exclusive
example of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure, with the bracket assembly including a
base portion and a closure portion.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another illustrative
self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another illustrative
self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another illustrative
self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another illustrative
self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative self-ligating
orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present disclosure,
with a one-piece closure portion and with the assembly shown in an
open configuration.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an illustrative self-ligating
orthodontic bracket assembly according to the present disclosure,
with a two-piece closure portion and with the assembly shown in an
open configuration.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an isometric schematic view of a portion of an
illustrative bracket assembly according to the present disclosure
bonded to a tooth surface.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an isometric schematic view of a portion of an
illustrative bracket assembly according to the present disclosure
bonded to a tooth-surrounding band structure, which in turn is
coupled to a tooth.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a base portion of a bracket assembly
according to the present disclosure, with the base portion shown
bonded to a tooth surface, and further illustrating several
optional base features.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a one-piece closure portion of a bracket
assembly according to the present disclosure, showing several
optional closure features.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a two-piece closure portion of a bracket
assembly according to the present disclosure, showing several
optional closure features.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional side elevation
view of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a floating hinge
assembly of a bracket assembly according to the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according to the
present disclosure in which an external mechanical force is applied
to the closure.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a schematic, fragmentary cross-sectional side
elevation view of the floating hinge assembly of the bracket
assembly of FIG. 15 with the external mechanical force applied to
the closure.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a schematic, fragmentary cross-sectional side
elevation view of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a
floating hinge assembly in which the cone-shaped indentation
comprises a truncated cone.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a schematic, fragmentary isometric view of a
portion of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure,
with the bracket assembly shown attached to a tooth with the base
and closure correctly aligned with each other such that alignment
indicia cannot be seen.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a schematic, fragmentary isometric view of a
portion of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure,
with the bracket assembly shown attached to a tooth with the base
and closure misaligned such that alignment indicia can be seen.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a closure portion of a bracket assembly
according to the present disclosure together with an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a prescriptive insert according to the
present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic view of a closure portion
of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure together
with an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a prescriptive
insert according to the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a fragmentary schematic view of a closure portion
of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure together
with an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a prescriptive
insert according to the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary schematic view of a closure portion
of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure together
with an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a prescriptive
insert according to the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary schematic view of a closure portion
of a bracket assembly according to the present disclosure together
with an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a prescriptive
insert according to the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a fragmentary schematic view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according to the
present disclosure, illustrating more than one orientation of an
associated archwire within the archwire passage.
[0037] FIG. 26 is an exploded isometric view of an illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according to the
present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 27 is an assembled side elevation view of the bracket
assembly of FIG. 26, with the bracket assembly illustrated in a
closed configuration.
[0039] FIG. 28 is an exploded isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 29 is an assembled side elevation view of the bracket
assembly of FIG. 28, with the bracket assembly illustrated in a
closed configuration.
[0041] FIG. 30 is an assembled isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 31 is an assembled isometric side elevation view of the
bracket assembly of FIG. 30, with the bracket assembly illustrated
in a partially closed configuration.
[0043] FIG. 32 is an assembled isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 33 is an assembled side elevation view of the bracket
assembly of FIG. 32, with the bracket assembly illustrated in a
closed configuration.
[0045] FIG. 34 is an assembled isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the bracket assembly of
FIG. 34.
[0047] FIG. 36 is an assembled isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the bracket assembly of
FIG. 36.
[0049] FIG. 38 is an assembled isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of the bracket assembly of
FIG. 38.
[0051] FIG. 40 is an exploded isometric view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a side elevation view of the bracket assembly of
FIG. 40.
[0053] FIG. 42 is a schematic side elevation view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a
portion of a closure that may be used with bracket assemblies
according to the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a schematic side elevation view of another
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0056] Various illustrative embodiments of orthodontic appliances
10, which also may be referred to herein as bracket assemblies, are
presented herein. As schematically represented in FIG. 1, bracket
assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure include a base 16
that may be bonded or otherwise directly or indirectly secured to a
tooth 14. When a bracket assembly 10 is a self-ligating bracket
assembly, it typically and additionally includes a closure, or cap,
22 that is operatively and releasably attached or otherwise coupled
to the base. When including both a base and a closure, the
collective assembly may be described as a self-ligating bracket
assembly, or just as a bracket or bracket assembly. Additionally or
alternatively, orthodontic appliances according to the present
disclosure may not include a closure that is separate and apart
from a base, and such appliances also may be referred to as bracket
assemblies or simply as brackets.
[0057] As discussed herein and as schematically illustrated in FIG.
1, bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure
additionally may include one or more of such illustrative,
non-exclusive features, structures, portions, components,
variations, characteristics, etc. as (and/or may be configured to
be utilized with one or more of) connecting assemblies 32, a tooth
surrounding band 60, base ligating structure 72, closure ligating
structure 100, force-deflecting structure 78, archwire retaining
structure 80, archwire locating structure 84, and/or prescriptive
inserts 102. These and other optional features are discussed in
detail herein with respect to the various schematic and other
illustrations presented. While each of these various optional
features may not be discussed in detail with respect to FIG. 1,
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates that each of these various
optional features, structures, portions, components, variations,
characteristics, etc., may be included in a bracket assembly 10
according to the present disclosure, and the subsequently discussed
individual figures do not limit embodiments of bracket assemblies
to the illustrated versions depicted therein.
[0058] Base 16 may be attached to tooth 14 (or optionally a band
that is secured around the tooth) via an attaching surface 12 and
extends from the attaching surface to at least one base mating
surface 18, which is configured to mate with one or more
corresponding closure mating surfaces 24 of the closure 22, when
present. Closure 22, when present, extends from closure mating
surfaces 24 to an external surface 28, which typically will extend
generally parallel to the surface of the tooth to which the bracket
assembly is attached.
[0059] Together, base 16 and closure 22 (when present) of bracket
assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure define an
archwire passage 34, which is sized and positioned to receive an
archwire and to direct resulting corrective forces to the tooth to
which the bracket assembly is attached. Stated differently, a
bracket or bracket assembly according to the present disclosure may
include a plurality of bracket archwire contacting, or engaging,
surfaces that are configured to engage an associated archwire when
the archwire is received in the archwire passage. As used herein,
the archwire that is inserted into an archwire passage of a bracket
assembly 10 may be (but is not required to be) referred to as an
"associated archwire" to indicate that it is interacting with the
bracket assembly, such as by contacting one or more sides, or
walls, of the archwire passage of the bracket assembly, and when in
use, applying prescriptive forces to a patient's corresponding
teeth.
[0060] As discussed in more detail herein, the corrective forces
imparted to a tooth may be generated by the archwire exerting
forces against the bracket assembly (such as against the portions
of the closure and/or the base that define the archwire
passage--i.e., the bracket archwire contacting surfaces and/or the
insert archwire contacting surfaces, when present), by the bracket
assembly against the archwire, or both. Archwire passage 34 may
additionally or alternatively be referred to as an archwire hole,
an archwire slot, and/or an archwire receiver. Also within the
scope of the present disclosure are bracket assemblies or brackets
that do not include a closure 22, and in which the base, or bracket
as a whole, defines an archwire passage 34. Such brackets according
to the present disclosure, which may be described as
non-self-ligating brackets, may include any of the additional and
suitable features of bracket assemblies discussed herein without
requiring the inclusion of a closure 22.
[0061] Although not required to be, some bracket assemblies 10
according to the present disclosure are self-ligating bracket
assemblies. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the bracket
assemblies are designed and shaped so that the archwire is received
and retained in the archwire passage without requiring the use of
separate ligating bands or wires. Accordingly, when in use to apply
corrective forces to a patient's tooth, bracket assemblies 10
define a closed boundary around an archwire that is properly
inserted into the archwire passage. By "closed boundary," it is
meant that the archwire passage defined by the bracket assembly
bounds, or surrounds, an archwire (as considered from the
perspective of a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis
of the archwire and/or the archwire passage) that is received
through the passage such that the archwire cannot be removed from
the archwire passage other than by sliding the archwire in a
longitudinal, or axial, direction, as measured relative to the
archwire. In other words, the bracket assembly defines an opening
(typically extending generally parallel to the base, or body, of
the bracket assembly) into which an archwire may be inserted and
removed from the archwire passage, with a self-ligating bracket
assembly further including a closure to selectively obstruct this
opening. When in use to apply corrective forces to a patient's
tooth, self-ligating bracket assemblies 10 form an archwire passage
that does not provide an opening of sufficient size for the
archwire to be removed from the archwire passage by translating or
otherwise moving the archwire in a lateral, or transverse,
direction measured with respect to the archwire passage.
[0062] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, archwire passage 34
may be defined by surfaces of base 16 and closure 22, such as base
slot surfaces 20 and closure slot surfaces 30. Specifically,
archwire passage 34 may be defined collectively by at least one
surface of base 16 and at least one surface of closure 22, and in
some bracket assemblies according to the present disclosure, may be
defined by at least two surfaces of base 16 and/or at least two
surfaces of closure 22.
[0063] Self-ligating bracket assemblies according to the present
disclosure may be selectively configured between an open, or
installation, configuration and a closed, or corrective,
configuration. A closed configuration refers to when the closure
and base of an installed bracket assembly are operatively coupled
together to receive and retain an archwire within the archwire
passage, and thereby to transmit corrective forces to the patient's
tooth. When the archwire is positioned within the archwire passage
of a bracket assembly 10 that is in a closed configuration, the
archwire is retained within the archwire slot, which as discussed,
defines a closed boundary (measured transverse to the axis of the
portion of the archwire received within the archwire passage and/or
the transverse axis of the archwire passage) around the archwire.
In this closed configuration, the archwire optionally also may be
at least frictionally retained against longitudinal, or axial,
movement relative to the archwire passage, but the bracket assembly
does not provide a physical barrier against longitudinal movement
of the archwire relative to the archwire passage. In contrast, in
the open configuration, at least a portion of the closure is moved
relative to the base to permit removal of the archwire from the
archwire passage in a direction other than in an axial, or
longitudinal direction (measured relative to the axis of the
portion of the archwire that is received within the archwire
passage), such as through an opening in the archwire passage that
is not obstructed when the closure is moved to the open
configuration. In other words, in the open configuration, an
archwire may be inserted into and/or removed from the archwire
passage, such as in a translational direction measured relative to
the base of the bracket assembly, and/or by respectively moving the
archwire toward or away from the tooth to which the base of the
bracket assembly is secured. In the open configuration, the
archwire passage of the bracket assembly does not define a closed
boundary around the portion of an archwire received therein (as
measured transverse to the longitudinal axis of the archwire and/or
archwire passage), thereby providing an opening or slot through
which the archwire may be inserted into and/or removed from the
archwire passage.
[0064] Closure 22 is coupled, and in some embodiments removably
coupled, to base 16 by at least one connecting assembly 32, which
provides for at least one of pivotal, releasable, and/or separable
coupling of the cap to the base. As used herein, a connecting
assembly that is configured to provide releasable, or removable,
coupling between the closure and the base refers to a connecting
assembly that is designed, or constructed, to provide for repeated
engagement and disengagement of the corresponding portions of the
coupling assembly, the closure, and/or the base without destruction
of the closure, the base, or the connecting assembly. As further
used herein, this selective releasing of the closure from the base
means that at least the portion of the closure that was coupled to
the base by the connecting assembly may be selectively pivoted or
otherwise moved away from the corresponding portion of the base,
such as to configure the bracket assembly from its closed
configuration to its open configuration and thereby permit the
insertion of an archwire into the archwire passage or the removal
of an archwire from the archwire passage. In some embodiments, the
one or more connecting assemblies may provide for partial and/or
complete separation of the closure from the base, with partial
separation referring to a portion of the closure pivoting or
otherwise moving away from the base while another portion of the
closure remains connected to the base. In contrast, complete
separation of the closure from the base refers to the entirety of
the closure being removed, and thus being spaced apart and/or
disconnected, from the base.
[0065] A connecting assembly 32 may additionally or alternatively
be referred to as a coupling assembly and/or a coupler, and may
include any suitable structure that provides for the selective
coupling of the closure and the base. In at least FIG. 1,
connecting assemblies 32 are depicted as dashed boxes to
schematically represent that the shape, size, and number of
components of connecting assemblies may vary without departing from
the scope of the present disclosure. A connecting assembly may
include a portion that is attached to, permanently attached to, or
even integrally formed with at least a portion of the closure
and/or the base, and the connecting assembly may include any
suitable number of components, or portions, to provide for the
selective coupling of the base and the closure. When the bracket
assembly is in the open configuration, a connecting assembly may
(but is not required in all embodiments to) include a portion that
is connected to the closure and a separate portion that is
connected to the base, with these portions being interconnected
when the bracket assembly is reconfigured to its closed
configuration. Connecting assemblies 32 may be configured to allow
closure 22 to release from base 16 responsive to an external force
that is applied to orthodontic appliance 10 and without damaging or
destroying the connecting assembly, the closure, or the base.
Connecting assembly 32 may include one or more of a hinge, clasp,
and/or other fastening structures and optionally may further
include resilient structures placed between base 16 and closure 22
to dampen external forces applied to the bracket assembly and/or to
lock the closure and/or fastening structures in a closed
configuration.
[0066] Self-ligating orthodontic appliances 10 according to the
present disclosure may be described herein as being "multi-piece"
orthodontic appliances. As used herein, "multi-piece" refers to an
orthodontic appliance that is a composite structure consisting of
at least two components, namely, at least a base 16 and a closure
22. Therefore, orthodontic appliances according to the present
disclosure may include two components, three components, four
components, or more. The base and the closure may be single-piece
components, such as which include a monolithic body. However, it is
also within the scope of the present disclosure that the base and
the closure themselves may be composite structures consisting of
two or more separable subcomponents, or that the various components
and structural features of each assembly may be integrally formed.
Accordingly, base 16 and closure 22 may include two or more
interconnected components, or may be formed as a single piece, or
component. Regardless of the number of components, it is within the
scope of the present disclosure that base 16 and closure 22 may
additionally or alternatively be respectively referred to herein as
a base assembly 16 and a closure assembly 22. As discussed herein,
closure 22 may be of single-piece construction or may be made of
multiple pieces. An optional closure division, or divisions, 36 may
divide the closure into multiple pieces, including two pieces,
three pieces, or more than three pieces. As schematically shown by
arrows in FIG. 2, the specific location, shape, and/or orientation
of closure division 36 may vary. When closure 22 is divided into
two or more pieces, or components, by a closure division, the
closure may include at least one closure connecting assembly 32'
that selectively (and releasably) interconnects and retains
together the portions of the closure. Closure connecting assembly
32' may include any of the structure, features, and/or variants
described and/or illustrated herein with respect to connecting
assemblies 32, which optionally may be referred to as
closure-to-base connecting assemblies 32. Base mating surfaces 18
and closure mating surfaces 24 are schematically illustrated in
FIG. 2 in dashed lines and with accompanying arrows to indicate
that their locations, shapes, and/or orientations also may vary
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Archwire passage 34 also is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 to
schematically indicate that its specific shape, location, and the
proportion of the archwire passage formed by the base and cap,
respectively, may vary. Thus, archwire passage 34 may have one or
more surfaces formed by base 16 and one or more surfaces formed by
closure 22, archwire passage 34 may be closer to or farther from
the tooth than the relative distances shown, and base 16 and
closure 22 may be constructed of one or more pieces and vary in
relative size and/or shape without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0067] FIGS. 3-6 provide schematic, illustrative, non-exclusive
examples of other suitable base and closure embodiments according
to the present disclosure. In all of these embodiments, closure
division 36 is schematically indicated to be optional and its
location and orientation are varied to illustrate that it may or
may not be present and that it may take on any suitable shape or be
in any suitable location. In FIG. 3, base 16 defines two complete
surfaces or sides of archwire passage 34, and closure 22 defines
two additional surfaces or sides of archwire passage 34. Optional
closure division 36 may define first or upper closure portion 38
and second or lower closure portion 40 and may be generally
coplanar with the bottom surface of archwire passage 34. In FIG. 4,
base 16 defines one complete surface or side of archwire passage
34, and closure 22 defines three additional surfaces or sides of
archwire passage 34. This optional configuration is also
schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, with the dash-dot line at 41.
The optional closure division 36 of the schematic illustration of
FIG. 4 is at an inclined angle relative to the archwire passage
surfaces. In FIG. 5, base 16 and closure 22 both define one
complete surface and two partial surfaces or sides of archwire
passage 34. Optional closure division 36 is coplanar with the top
surface or side of archwire passage 34; however, this coplanar
configuration is not required. In FIG. 6, base 16 defines three
complete surfaces or sides of archwire passage 34, and closure 22
defines an additional surface or side of archwire passage 34.
Optional closure division 36 is parallel to but not coplanar with
the upper surface or side of archwire passage 34.
[0068] In FIGS. 1-6, self-ligating bracket assembly 10 has been
shown in a closed configuration, in which base mating surfaces 18
and closure mating surfaces 24 are proximate each other to define
the previously discussed "closed boundary" for retaining an
archwire in the bracket assembly's archwire passage. As discussed,
bracket assembly 10 also may be configured to an open
configuration, in which the archwire passage includes an opening 33
through which an archwire may be selectively inserted into and
removed from the archwire passage (other than by sliding the
archwire axially along the longitudinal axis of the archwire
passage). Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of self-ligating
bracket assemblies 10 in an open configuration are schematically
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 illustrates an open
configuration for an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a
bracket assembly 10 that includes a one-piece closure 22. In FIG.
7, closure 22 hinges from (i.e., is pivotally coupled to) base 16
by connecting assembly 32. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an open
configuration for an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a
bracket assembly 10 that includes a two-piece closure 22, with the
closure comprising first (upper) closure portion 38 and second
(lower) closure portion 40. In this embodiment, both first closure
portion 38 and second closure portion 40 hinge from (i.e., are
pivotally coupled to) base 16 by connecting assemblies 32. It is
also within the scope of the present disclosure that closure 22 is
not attached to base 16 by a connecting assembly 32 in the form of
a hinge. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, closure 22 may
snap onto base 16, be configured to slide relative to base 16 via
slots, or be attached by any other suitable structure or releasable
fastening or coupling mechanism.
[0069] While archwire passage 34 is schematically illustrated as
being rectangular in FIGS. 1-8, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure that archwire passage 34 may have any desired
cross-sectional shape, including rectangular, square, circular,
semi-circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal, any polygonal
or non-polygonal shape, irregular, symmetrical, monolithic,
braided, uniform, and/or non-uniform, may not have a constant
cross-section, or profile, and may contain internal structures that
cause it to depart from an idealized geometry. It is also within
the scope of the present disclosure that the archwire passage may
not form a continuous perimeter around the cross-section of the
archwire but simply may serve, or function, to retain the archwire
within a desired location. Thus, the archwire passage may comprise
a hook, clip, or other structure that constrains the archwire
within a defined region. The location of archwire passage 34 also
may vary from the locations shown, with varying portions being
formed by base 16 and closure 22. It is also within the scope of
the present disclosure that either base 16 or closure 22 forms all
surfaces or sides of archwire passage 34. Base 16 and closure 22
may contain additional structures and/or features not shown in the
preceding figures and may not comprise regular geometric shapes, as
discussed herein.
[0070] In FIGS. 1-8, closure division 36 has been schematically
illustrated as a planar structure that serves to divide closure 22
into upper 38 and lower 40 (as viewed in the schematic
illustration) closure portions. While FIGS. 1-8 show that the
closure division can have any location and/or orientation, it is
also within the scope of the present disclosure that closure
division 36 is not planar and may take on any desired shape. In
addition, closure 22 may include a plurality of cap divisions, and
thus may include a plurality of closure portions. While these
closure portions may form the archwire passage via simple planar
contact among the various closure portions, it is also within the
scope of the present disclosure that the contact between closure
portions be more complicated, including arcuate contact regions
and/or interleaved closure portions. Similarly, the base mating and
closure mating surfaces discussed herein may have any suitable
shape, including planar and non-planar geometries. In addition, it
is within the scope of the present disclosure that any structures
associated with bracket assembly 10 such as, for example,
connecting assembly 32, may be integrally formed as a monolithic
part of the closure and/or base. It is also within the scope of the
present disclosure that these structures be separately formed of
the same or different materials and operatively attached to the
various components of the bracket assembly.
[0071] In FIGS. 1-8, base 16 has been schematically illustrated as
being attached directly to tooth 14 via attaching surface 12. This
is shown somewhat schematically in FIG. 9, where base 16 is
operatively attached directly to the tooth surface using a suitable
bonding media, such as cement and/or other adhesive. As shown in
FIG. 10, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that
base 16 be operatively attached to a tooth-surrounding band 60,
with tooth-surrounding band 60 encircling the tooth and securing
the band-base assembly firmly on the tooth. Base 16 may be attached
to band 60 using any suitable method, such as bonding using cement
and/or adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering, or other known
bonding techniques.
[0072] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of additional
structures and features that optionally may be included on base 16
of a bracket assembly 10 according to the present disclosure are
schematically shown in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, base 16 is operatively
attached to tooth 14 via attaching surface 12, which may include an
adhesion promotion structure 70. Adhesion promotion structure 70
may include any structure that increases the strength of the bond
between tooth 14 and attaching surface 12, including structures
that increase the adhesive strength, such as surface coatings,
treatments, and/or modifications, structures that increase the
surface area for bonding, such as regular or irregular surface
roughening and/or patterning, and/or structures that increase the
mechanical interaction between the adhesive and the attaching
surface, such as three-dimensional meshes, grids, or screens that
allow the adhesive to physically interlock with the attaching
surface.
[0073] Base 16 also may include one or more base ligating
structures 72, which may include channels, grooves, tie wings, or
other structures that are sized, shaped, and/or positioned to
receive and retain a ligature and/or an orthodontic chain or
powerchain. As used herein, a ligating structure is a structure
that is designed or configured to accept and retain a ligature; a
ligature is any suitable material, such as a wire, elastic band, or
resilient material, that is accepted within a ligating structure
and serves to retain an object, such as an archwire, closure 22, or
even another bracket assembly, in a defined region relative to the
object containing the ligating structure; and an orthodontic chain
is a resilient material, such as a chain of resilient bands, that
is attached to two or more bracket assemblies and may serve to
retain an archwire on the bracket and/or apply a force that serves
to urge two or more teeth closer together. Base ligating structure
72 may be used in conjunction with a ligature to more firmly secure
the archwire in a defined position relative to the bracket
assembly, or portion thereof, allowing base 16 to function as a
traditional, ligating orthodontic bracket assembly. Base ligating
structure 72 may be used to secure a closure of a bracket assembly
into a fixed orientation relative to the base, such as in an
orientation from which the closure is not released until the
corresponding ligature is removed. When present and in use, this
may reduce or eliminate the shock-absorbing and self-ligating
features of brackets according to the present disclosure but may,
in certain circumstances, allow an orthodontist to apply a greater
force to a tooth than can be applied with bracket assemblies
according to the present disclosure. The base ligating structure
also may be used in conjunction with an orthodontic chain to chain,
or link, multiple teeth together and move them toward each
other.
[0074] Base 16 may further include one or more connecting
assemblies 32, such as hinge 74 or clasp 76 structures, or portions
thereof. Hinge 74 and clasp 76 structures according to the present
disclosure serve to operatively attach base 16 to a closure and/or
to attach separate pieces of a multi-piece base or closure together
and are discussed in more detail herein. As also shown in FIG. 11,
base 16 of a bracket assembly 10 according to the present
disclosure may include other optional structures, such as
force-deflecting (or force-directing) structures 78, archwire
retaining structures 80, and archwire locating structures 84.
[0075] Force-deflecting structures 78 according to the present
disclosure are designed to modify external forces applied to base
16 in order to minimize the potential for base 16 to be debonded
from tooth 14 or be damaged by the external force. For example,
occlusal forces associated with chewing or otherwise biting upon a
hard object may be quite large. Thus, if a patient inadvertently
allows a hard object, such as a fork, to contact an edge of base 16
while chewing, the resultant shear force may be sufficient to
debond or otherwise damage base 16. Force-deflecting structures 78
may include angled surfaces, which may be located on edge portions
of the base, that effectively convert these shear forces into peel
forces, minimizing the potential for debonding or damage to the
base. By "angled," it is meant that these surfaces extend at an
inclined, or oblique, angle relative to the tooth's surface to
which the bracket assembly is attached.
[0076] Archwire retaining structures 80 are structures that may
serve to constrain or otherwise locate the edges of the archwire
within a defined region, such as base slot surface 20. Additionally
or alternatively, referring back to FIG. 1, archwire locating
structures 84 may include a convex projection, or surface, 94,
which may serve to locate a flat surface of an archwire. Convex
projection 94 is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of archwire
locating structure 84. Other shapes may be used, the number of
structures may vary, the structures may be present on any number of
base and/or closure surfaces, and/or the location of the structures
may be changed without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0077] Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of additional
structures that may be included on closure 22 of a bracket assembly
10 according to the present disclosure are schematically shown in
FIG. 12. Closure 22 may include at least one or even several
structures that are similar and/or complementary to structures on a
base, including connecting assemblies 32 (or a portion thereof),
which may comprise a hinge 74 and/or a clasp 76, closure ligating
structure 100, force-deflecting structure 78, archwire retaining
structure 80, and archwire locating structure 84.
[0078] In addition, closure 22 also may include and/or may be
configured to receive an optional insert, or prescriptive insert,
102, which may be selectively inserted into closure 22 and will be
discussed in more detail herein. Prescriptive insert 102
additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a
prescription-altering insert in that it is configured to change the
prescription, or forces that are applied to a patient's tooth when
a bracket assembly 10 with the insert is used, as compared to when
the bracket assembly is used without the insert and/or with a
different (i.e., differently sized, shaped and/or positioned)
insert. Closure 22 also may include closure attachment clearance
structures 104, which serve to provide clearance between closure 22
and an associated archwire, such that if closure 22 is attached to
base 16 using a hinge, such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bracket
assembly may be moved from the open configuration to the closed
configuration without the closure contacting and/or displacing the
archwire prior to reaching the closed configuration. This may
minimize the forces that are placed on a tooth by the archwire when
the bracket assembly is assembled and may increase patient
comfort.
[0079] Similar to the discussion above with respect to base
ligating structure 72, closure ligating structure 100 may serve a
variety of purposes. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, the
closure ligating structure may be used in combination with a
ligature to lock or otherwise secure the closure in a defined
position relative to the base. This may decrease the likelihood
that the closure will separate from the base and may allow an
orthodontist to apply greater corrective forces to a tooth. In
addition, closure ligating structure 100 also may be used in
conjunction with an orthodontic chain or power chain to apply
forces that may serve to move individual teeth closer together.
Since, when used in conjunction with closure ligating structure
100, the orthodontic chain may not contact the archwire, low
frictional forces between the archwire and the bracket assembly may
be maintained.
[0080] As discussed herein, both base 16 and closure 22 may
comprise one piece or a plurality of pieces. An illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a closure 22, which comprises a first
closure portion 38 and a second closure portion 40, is shown in
FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, closure 22 schematically includes connecting
assemblies 32 that comprises two hinge assemblies 74 (or portions
thereof), which operatively connect the first and second closure
portions to a corresponding base 16. In addition, a closure
connecting assembly 32', in the form of a fastening structure 110,
serves to connect the first and second closure portions to each
other at least when the closure is in the closed configuration.
[0081] The forces acting on bracket assembly 10, base 16, closure
22, and/or an associated archwire may be corrective, or
prescriptive, in nature, referring to a force administered in the
course of orthodontic treatment, or external and non-corrective,
referring to forces applied outside of, or not for, orthodontic
treatment. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of external, or
non-corrective, forces include, but are not limited to, forces that
are applied during such daily activities as chewing food, brushing
teeth, or biting upon a hard object. Such forces are usually
applied in a gingival direction, from an occlusal direction, or
otherwise generally parallel to the plane of the tooth surface.
When such forces encounter an orthodontic bracket of monolithic
body construction, such as a conventional ligating or self-ligating
bracket, the bracket is usually urged to one side, effectively
shearing the bracket from its position on a tooth. Thus, such
brackets usually debond from the tooth surface upon receiving a
shear force or other force of greater magnitude than the strength
of the bond between the tooth and the bracket. In some cases,
instead of debonding, such brackets may fracture, destroying the
bracket, or transmit the non-corrective force to the tooth,
damaging the tooth surface or other part of the tooth and/or
causing the patient discomfort. Non-corrective and external forces
also may include those resulting from a sudden blow or other
impact, which may be applied in virtually any direction. Also,
during orthodontic treatment, a corrective force may result in
damage to the tooth and/or to the bracket, for example if such a
force is incorrectly administered by an orthodontist, or
inadvertently misdirected due to orthodontic hardware that has
become misaligned or incorrectly oriented. The various forces to
which an orthodontic appliance is subjected may vary due to such
factors as the relative position of the tooth to which an appliance
is attached in the dental arch, the direction and/or strength of
the corrective forces exerted on the tooth by the archwire, and so
forth.
[0082] As discussed herein, connecting assemblies 32 according to
the present disclosure may comprise any suitable configuration for
operatively and releasably connecting base 16 with closure 22 or,
alternatively, different portions of base 16 or closure 22 with
other portions of base 16 or closure 22, respectively, including a
hinge, clasp, fastener, set screw, sliding gate, or catch. An
illustrative, non-exclusive example of a suitable structure for
connecting assembly 32 is hinge assembly 74. An illustrative,
non-exclusive example of a hinge assembly 74 according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 14 and may additionally or
alternatively be described as a floating hinge or floating hinge
assembly 74. In FIG. 14, hinge assembly 74 comprises an outer, or
male, portion 128 that includes a pair of cone-shaped projections
120, and an inner, or female, portion 129 that includes a pair of
cone-shaped indentations 122. The hinge may be designed such that
outer portion 128 applies a compressive force to inner portion 129
via the cone-shaped projections. Thus, the apex of cone-shaped
projections 120 will naturally migrate to, and be biased toward,
the apex of cone-shaped indentations 122, thereby maintaining a
fixed hinge geometry when no external loads are applied to the
hinge, or to another portion of the bracket assembly 10. However,
if an external force is applied to the hinge, such as via another
portion of the bracket assembly 10, the apex of the cone-shaped
projections may "float" (i.e., translate or otherwise move or be
moved) away from the apex of the cone-shaped indentations, for
example, when the force is greater than a displacement force. If
the external force is not large enough to completely displace the
cone-shaped projections from the cone-shaped indentations (i.e.,
less than a removal force), the hinge will return automatically to
its original geometry when the external force is removed, thereby
providing the hinge with some amount of non-destructive
shock-absorbing capability. This is shown schematically in FIGS. 15
and 16. In FIG. 15, an external force 140 is applied to closure 22,
causing it to shift a small amount 142 relative to base 16. FIG. 16
is a schematic, fragmentary cross-sectional view of hinge 74. As
shown, the magnitude of external force 140 is large enough to
displace cone-shaped projection 120 relative to cone-shaped
indentation 122; however, it is not large enough to completely
displace the cone-shaped projection from the cone-shaped
indentation. That is, the force 140 is larger than zero and is
larger than or equal to a displacement force, but it is less than a
removal force.
[0083] As also shown in FIG. 16, the displacement of the outer
portion 128 relative to the inner portion 129 creates a restoring
force 152, which serves to press the outer portion toward the inner
portion. Thus, when external force 140 is removed, the apex of
cone-shaped projection 120 will return to the apex of cone-shaped
indentation 122, as discussed herein.
[0084] If the magnitude of the external force is large enough to
displace the tip of the cone-shaped projections from the
cone-shaped indentations, which may be described as being greater
than or equal to a removal force, the hinge may "pop apart," and/or
otherwise separate, which may result in the bracket assembly being
configured to an open configuration. While the hinge may then need
to be reassembled, it may not be damaged and this additional
ability to non-destructively absorb external forces may minimize
the potential for bond failure and/or damage to the bracket
assembly caused by larger external forces that may be applied to
the bracket assembly.
[0085] Numerous variations of the described hinge assembly 74 are
possible without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. For example, in FIG. 14 the cone-shaped projections are
included on outer portion 128 and a vector drawn along the cone
axis from the base of the cone to its apex will generally point
toward the apex of the other cone-shaped projection (i.e. the cones
point toward each other). It is within the scope of the present
disclosure that the cone-shaped projections be included on inner
portion 129 and that the cones point away from each other, that the
cones point in the same direction, and/or that the hinge assembly
comprise more than two cone-shaped projection and cone-shaped
indentation pairs. Hinge assembly 74 also may comprise other
geometric shapes and still be within the scope of the present
disclosure, including truncated cones, cones with base shapes other
than circular, partial spheres, etc. In addition, the shapes of the
projection and the indentation need not be the same. An
illustrative, non-exclusive example of these variations is shown in
FIG. 17, where the cone-shaped indentations comprise truncated
cones 130. Additionally or alternatively, cone-shaped projections
120 may comprise truncated cones, as schematically indicated at
132. These truncated cone embodiments may have certain benefits,
such as decreased wear on the apex of the cone(s) and/or the
ability of the hinge to "float" or otherwise permissibly move while
the bracket assembly is in its closed configuration, such as within
a region defined by the flat top of the truncated cone 130, thus
providing for limited and defined "free" motion of the cap with
respect to the base in at least one dimension.
[0086] Hinge assembly 74 also may be designed to facilitate
non-destructive disassembly of the cap from the base. For example,
the cone-shaped indentations may be in communication with channels
that extend from the cone-shaped indentation to an edge. Thus, by
sliding the cone-shaped projections along the channels until they
reach the edge, the two parts may be readily separated. As a
further example, when the base contains the cone-shaped
indentations and the cap contains the cone-shaped projections,
channels in the base may be in communication with both the
cone-shaped indentations and a base slot surface that serves to
define the archwire passage. Thus, by placing the bracket assembly
in the open configuration and removing an associated archwire from
the base slot surface, the cone-shaped projections may readily
slide along the channels until the cone-shaped projections reach
the base slot surface, facilitating controlled separation of the
closure from the base. However, with an associated archwire in
place, the closure may not readily separate from the base.
[0087] Another illustrative, non-exclusive example of connecting
assemblies 32 according to the present disclosure may include a
pin-shaped hinge assembly. A pin-shaped hinge assembly may include
a pin operatively attached to closure 22 and received within a
slot, defined by base 16, and allows closure 22 to rotate relative
to base 16 about the axis of the pin. The slot may be slightly
larger than the pin to allow for some translational motion of the
pin relative to the slot, thus providing the pin hinge with a
defined amount of play or give. Additionally, the base of a
pin-shaped hinge assembly may be sealed by a hinge seal to prevent
the buildup of foreign material, such as calcium and/or calculus,
within the hinge body. The hinge seal, when present, may include
any material suitable to seal the hinge, including a combination of
adhesion promotion structure and the adhesive or cement used to
attach base 16 to tooth 14.
[0088] Numerous variations on the illustrative examples of hinges
discussed herein may be utilized without departing from the scope
of the present disclosure. For example, while a sealed hinge is
discussed with reference to a pin-shaped hinge assembly, an
unsealed hinge may be used. In addition, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure that a hinge pin be part of base 16, while a
hinge slot be part of closure 22. Alternatively, the hinge pin
and/or the hinge slot may be separate components that are
operatively attached to either the base or the closure,
respectively.
[0089] Referring back to FIGS. 11-13, connecting assemblies 32
and/or 32' may additionally or alternatively comprise clasp 76
and/or fastening structures 110. The clasp and/or fastening
structures may have any suitable form that provides for repeated,
non-destructive coupling and decoupling of the structures. This
coupling and decoupling may be in response to a user-applied force,
such as an orthodontist transitioning the bracket assembly from the
closed configuration to the open configuration, or it may be in
response to an unexpected external force, such as a non-corrective
force that is applied (intentionally or unintentionally) to the
bracket. For example, a clasp 76 according to the present
disclosure may readily decouple in response to a specific series of
user-applied forces, such as pushing the closure toward the base
and then applying a force to the clasp structure. Illustrative,
non-exclusive examples of clasp and fastening structures according
to the present disclosure include a hook and ledge structure, in
which the hook is accepted around the ledge to hold the clasp or
fastening structure in the closed configuration. Alternatively, the
cone-shaped hinge structure discussed above may serve as both a
hinge and a clasp or fastening structure.
[0090] Clasp and fastening structures according to the present
disclosure may be designed to minimize or otherwise reduce the
force required to transition the structures between the open and
closed configurations, thus reducing the forces applied to a
patient's teeth and increasing the patient's comfort level. As
illustrative, non-exclusive examples, this may be accomplished by
locating the structures proximate one side of the bracket assembly,
by specific designs that minimize the forces required, by requiring
a specific series of actions in order to transition the structure
between the open and closed configurations, as discussed above,
and/or through the use of other design features that serve to
minimize the required transition forces.
[0091] As discussed herein, connecting assemblies 32 may be
configured to disengage responsive to a force applied to the
bracket assembly, such as a non-corrective force that exceeds a
predetermined value. For example, if the predetermined value is
less than the force sufficient to debond the base from the tooth,
the connecting assemblies may be configured to allow the closure to
break away from the base responsive to the aforementioned force,
rather than permit such a force to cause the orthodontic appliance
to break away from the tooth.
[0092] In contrast to bracket assemblies according to the present
disclosure that include separate bases and closures, orthodontic
brackets of monolithic body construction may cause damage to a
tooth during debonding. Moreover, even if such a monolithic bracket
debonds from a tooth without damage to either the tooth or to the
bracket, the tooth surface may be abraded or otherwise damaged by
repeated debonding and reattachment of the bracket. Similarly, a
conventional orthodontic bracket will require cleaning and
preparation of at least one, or both, of the bracket and tooth
surface prior to reinstallation of the bracket. Reinstallation also
requires careful positioning of the bracket by an orthodontist to
reinstall the bracket in the correct location on the tooth and/or
relative to other orthodontic brackets.
[0093] A bracket assembly 10 with a connecting assembly 32
according to the present disclosure may, but is not required to,
protect against inadvertent damage to a tooth such as may be caused
by external or non-corrective forces. Different configurations of
connecting assemblies 32 may be adapted to release upon application
of a force of a predetermined value, such as a value less than a
force sufficient to debond the base from the tooth, and/or upon
application of a force applied in a predetermined direction. A
force greater than a predetermined value that is applied to a
closure engaged with a base may simply dislodge the closure and
leave the base attached to the tooth, rather than debond the entire
orthodontic appliance from the tooth. A releasable configuration
may reduce tooth damage by reducing or completely preventing
transfer of mechanical force to the tooth or gums, which may be the
case with a conventional bracket that is either dislodged as a unit
or which does not dislodge and thereby transmits the applied force
to the patient's tooth.
[0094] Self-ligating bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure that include a connecting assembly 32 configured to
releasably, or removably, engage a closure with a base also may,
but are not required to, reduce interruptions in orthodontic
treatment. For example, an orthodontic bracket of monolithic body
construction may accidentally debond from a tooth in response to an
applied force such as those described above, necessitating a
session of orthodontic maintenance in which the bracket is rebonded
to the tooth in order to resume orthodontic treatment. A connecting
assembly that allows the closure to disengage from the base
responsive to a force may be configured to be readily re-engaged,
which may allow for a reduction in and/or elimination of chair time
associated with bracket repairs for an orthodontic patient.
[0095] The components and/or structural features of base 16 and
closure 22 may be configured as desired to enable repeated
engagement and disengagement of the assemblies, without destruction
or deterioration to any of the components of the bracket assembly
caused by engaging or disengaging the connecting assembly, such as
during installation and throughout the duration of orthodontic
treatment. In particular, connecting assembly 32 may be configured
to be reusable after being disengaged, for example by being
fabricated to remain structurally intact upon engagement and
disengagement. Thus, for example, an orthodontist may install
several bracket assemblies 10 to the teeth of a patient, for
orthodontic treatment, without having to replace components that
become damaged due to disengagement during the period of the
treatment. Instead, the orthodontist, or in some embodiments even
the patient, may reengage any detached components, resuming
treatment. Accordingly, the components, or assemblies, of bracket
assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure are adapted to be
repeatedly disengaged and reengaged without destruction of the
components, or assemblies. For example, the closure of a
self-ligating bracket assembly 10 according to the present
disclosure may be adapted to be disengaged from a corresponding
base that is coupled to a tooth in a patient's mouth. Should the
closure be disengaged from the base, such as described herein,
neither the base nor the closure is damaged or otherwise rendered
unable to be used as part of bracket assembly 10 according to the
present disclosure. Accordingly, these components of the bracket
assembly may be reengaged, and thereby reused. However, it is not a
requirement for a bracket assembly 10 to always have its base and
closure reengaged for reuse of both components in all embodiments
and at all times. For example, during orthodontic treatment, in
some situations it may be desirable to intentionally disengage the
base and closure of a bracket assembly 10 according to the present
disclosure and to reengage the base, which is still coupled to a
tooth, to a different closure. It is further within the scope of
the present disclosure, though not required, that the disengaged
closure may be reengaged with a different base for further use.
Therefore, bracket assemblies 10 may be described as being
"reusable" even though reuse is not required to all embodiments or
in all applications.
[0096] Some embodiments of bracket assemblies 10 according to the
present disclosure may include an alignment feature, such as
connecting assemblies that are configured to engage only when urged
together in one or more predetermined orientations. Such an
alignment feature may reduce the time required to properly couple
the portions together during a session of orthodontic maintenance,
such as by facilitating correct alignment of a base and a closure.
Such a feature may optionally allow an orthodontic patient to
correctly re-engage a closure that has become disengaged from a
base without having to consult an orthodontist.
[0097] Some embodiments of bracket assemblies 10 according to the
present disclosure additionally or alternatively may include visual
indicia to visually indicate if the connecting assemblies are
misaligned, disengaged, or otherwise incorrectly engaged. Such
visual indicia may assist a patient or an orthodontist in
determining if a closure of a bracket assembly is incorrectly
engaged or aligned with a corresponding base. This determination
may be useful during installation of the closure, and/or
thereafter, such as when a patient's mouth is subject to a force
that potentially may have decoupled the connecting assemblies of
one or more bracket assemblies in a patient's mouth. For example,
the visual indicia may include a colored surface on a connecting
assembly, mating surface, and/or other part of the orthodontic
appliance. Such a colored surface may be positioned to be occluded
from view when the closure is properly engaged with the base, such
that a visible colored surface may alert a patient or an
orthodontist that a closure should be re-engaged, or correctly
aligned, with its corresponding base. Additionally or
alternatively, when the closure 22 of a self-ligating bracket
assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is configured to be
selectively displaced from a nominal, or default, closed
configuration (such as responsive to forces applied to a floating
hinge thereof), and/or to be selectively retained in a selected one
of a plurality of closed configurations, visual indicia optionally
may be used to indicate this relative positioning of the closure
with respect to the base of the bracket assembly.
[0098] In FIG. 18, a schematic example of a bracket assembly 10
according to the present disclosure is shown that includes a base
16 and a closure 22 that is releasably coupled to the base by a
connecting assembly 32. Base 16, closure 22, and connecting
assembly 32 may have any suitable configuration and structure, such
as disclosed, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. As
schematically shown in FIG. 18, at least a portion of the base that
faces away from the tooth 14 to which the bracket assembly is
coupled includes visual indicia 168 that is covered or otherwise
occluded from view by the closure. FIG. 19 schematically
illustrates the bracket assembly of FIG. 18, with the closure
displaced from its position shown in FIG. 18, thereby exposing
visual indicia 168. In the illustrated schematic example, the
closure has been translated vertically relative to the properly
installed position shown in FIG. 18. In some embodiments, the
closure may be restricted to one or more of lateral displacement,
vertical displacement, and/or rotational displacement.
[0099] It is within the scope of the present disclosure that a
bracket assembly 10 according to the present disclosure may, but is
not required to, include a tether device that is adapted to couple
the closure with the base or the archwire even when the closure and
base are disengaged from each other. Such a tether device may be
described as providing a physical linkage between the closure and
the base or the closure and the archwire. This linkage may simply
interconnect the assemblies, such as in the form of a flexible
linkage that extends between the assemblies to ensure that a
disengaged closure is not lost.
[0100] As discussed herein, some embodiments of connecting
assemblies 32 may include a feature to restrict or prevent some
relative movement of the engaged connecting assemblies and/or the
base and the closure, while permitting relative movement of the
connecting assembly and/or base and closure in another
predetermined direction or manner. Such controlled movement may
assure that corrective forces exerted by the archwire on the
bracket assembly are not misdirected due to improper alignment of
the components of the assembly, while simultaneously allowing the
connecting assembly to disengage responsive to a non-corrective
force applied to the appliance.
[0101] For example, once properly aligned and engaged,
translational movement in an occlusal and/or gingival direction may
be prevented, with translational movement in a labial direction
(i.e., generally perpendicular to the tooth surface) permitted. In
other words, connecting assembly 32, such as hinge structure 74,
clasp structure 76, or fastening structure 110 may allow the
engaged assemblies to resist relative sideways, or lateral,
movement, and instead direct such forces to disengage the cap from
the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the tooth. In
other words, some embodiments of bracket assemblies 10 according to
the present disclosure may be configured to disengage the
connecting assemblies in one or more predetermined directions while
resisting forces received from other directions, and/or may
redirect such received forces in order to disengage the connecting
assemblies rather than allow such forces to cause debonding of the
base and/or be transmitted to the tooth.
[0102] Bracket assemblies (including self-ligating bracket
assemblies) 10 according to the present disclosure may optionally
include an insert 102, which additionally or alternatively may be
referred to as a corrective insert, a prescriptive insert, a
prescription-altering insert, and/or as a closure insert. This
insert may serve functional and/or aesthetic purposes and is shown
schematically in FIG. 1. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1,
optional insert 102, when coupled to a bracket assembly 10, may
extend into the archwire passage 34, and thereby alter the profile
or cross-sectional profile, of the archwire passage. Accordingly,
in such embodiments, the insert may be described as altering the
prescription of the archwire passage and/or of the bracket
assembly.
[0103] Additionally or alternatively, as schematically represented
in dash-dot lines in FIG. 1, some bracket assemblies 10 according
to the present disclosure may be configured to be coupled to the
bracket assembly in a plurality of prescription-defining positions,
with each of the prescription-defining positions defining a unique
prescription of the archwire passage and/or of the bracket
assembly. Accordingly, a prescription may be selectively adjusted
based on the position or orientation of the optional prescriptive
insert relative to the archwire passage, for example, based on the
extent to which the insert extends into the archwire passage and
thus on the modified, or altered, profile of the archwire passage.
Stated differently, as a result of an altered or modified profile
of an archwire passage, the associated archwire, when appropriately
positioned within the archwire passage will impart a different
prescriptive force to the bracket assembly and thus to the
patient's tooth, than if the prescriptive insert were not present
and/or in a different position. Some bracket assemblies 10
according to the present disclosure may be described as including
ratcheting inserts and/or adjustable inserts, such that the insert,
when present, may be selectively pivoted and retained in a selected
position of the plurality of prescription-defining positions.
[0104] Likewise, it is also within the scope of the present
disclosure that the closures of some self-ligating bracket
assemblies 10 may be configured to be selectively retained in a
selected one of a plurality of predetermined, or predefined, closed
configurations relative to the base of the bracket assembly, such
as with each of the plurality of closed configurations defining an
archwire passage with a different cross-sectional configuration,
and thus being configured to create a different prescriptive force
when an associated archwire is received into the archwire passage.
Such a multi-position, adjustable, and/or ratcheting, closure may,
for example, be selectively retained in the selected closed
configuration within a range, or series, of predefined closed
configurations, by one or more suitable latches, detents, clips,
catches, or other retaining structure that is configured to
releasably engage and selectively retain the closure. Such
retaining structure may be a portion of the base of the bracket
assembly or may be a separate portion of the bracket assembly that
is selectively coupled to the base and closure to retain the
closure in a selected closed configuration.
[0105] Additionally or alternatively, a bracket assembly or bracket
without an insert may be described as defining a first archwire
passage, and when an insert is selectively utilized with the
bracket assembly or bracket, the insert and bracket may
collectively define a second archwire passage that is described as
overlapping with the first archwire passage, for example including
at least one common archwire contacting surface between the two
uniquely defined archwire passages. In such an example, the
archwire passages may be described as defining unique prescriptions
of the bracket assembly or bracket.
[0106] In some bracket assemblies according to the present
disclosure, a prescriptive insert may be required to properly
define a prescription for the respective bracket assembly. That is,
some bracket assemblies according to the present disclosure may not
be configured to define an archwire passage that is configured to
receive corrective forces from an associated archwire, unless a
prescriptive insert is present to define force-receiving surfaces
of the archwire passage. However, it is also within the scope of
the present disclosure that bracket assemblies may define an
archwire passage adapted to receive corrective forces from an
associated archwire, even when a prescriptive insert is not
present, and may define a second, or altered, archwire passage when
a prescriptive insert is present to receive different forces from
an associated archwire.
[0107] FIGS. 20-24 schematically illustrate illustrative,
non-exclusive examples of the prescription-altering effects of
prescriptive inserts 102 according to the present disclosure. In
FIG. 20, an insert 102 is shown to be housed in closure 22. It is
within the scope of the present disclosure that an insert may form,
define, and/or change the shape of at least one of the surfaces of
archwire passage 34, with these surfaces optionally being referred
to as insert archwire contacting, or engaging, surfaces. This may
thereby cause the corrective force generated by the archwire and
the bracket assembly to change from the forces generated when the
insert is not used. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the
present disclosure that a bracket assembly 10 may be operative to
apply corrective forces to a tooth during orthodontic treatment
regardless of whether or not the bracket assembly includes insert
102. That is, as discussed herein, a bracket assembly according to
the present disclosure may include an archwire passage that defines
a prescription without the addition of an optional insert, and when
the optional insert is utilized, a different prescription may be
defined. Moreover, by selectively using and/or interchanging
inserts of different sizes and/or shapes, these corrective forces
may be adjusted, or changed, by an orthodontist without requiring
removal of the bracket assembly from the tooth or reshaping or
replacement of the archwire. As discussed herein, also within the
scope of the present disclosure are prescriptive inserts that may
be selectively positioned, or oriented, in more than one position
relative to the closure and/or base, with each position defining a
unique prescription for the bracket assembly.
[0108] The closure and/or the insert may include insert retaining
structures 170 that are adapted to selectively retain the insert
within the closure. The insert may be retained within the closure
using any suitable structure, such as a set screw or other positive
mechanism that locks the insert in place, a press or taper fit
between the insert and the closure, and/or physical structures on
at least one of the insert and the closure that serve to limit the
motion of the insert when accepted in the closure and/or snap or
lock the insert into place. The insert also may simply be held in
place by closed bracket assembly 10. Also shown in FIG. 20 is
optional insert locating groove 172. The insert locating groove may
be used to assist in accurate placement of the bracket assembly on
the tooth surface during initial installation and adhesion of the
base to the tooth, may be designed to accept a bracket positioning
instrument, and/or may visually represent the location of the
archwire passage 34.
[0109] As discussed, insert 102 may serve functional (i.e.,
corrective) purposes within the bracket assembly. In FIG. 20, this
is illustrated by the fact that the insert protrudes into archwire
passage 34 and may serve to further define and/or restrict the
location of an associated archwire within the archwire passage. In
FIG. 20, the presence of the insert on the top and left surfaces of
archwire passage 34 will serve to press the archwire down and to
the right. Consequently, the archwire will tend to exert an
additional corrective force on the tooth relative to the force
applied to the tooth by the archwire when the insert is not
present. Thus, the use of inserts may allow an orthodontist to
fine-tune and/or otherwise specifically adjust the corrective
forces applied to individual teeth by an archwire that applies
corrective forces to many of the patient's teeth. Additionally or
alternatively, the geometry of archwire passage 34 may be such
that, without an insert in place, the archwire may float or
otherwise be loosely positioned within the archwire passage,
allowing bracket assembly 10 to act as a passive orthodontic
appliance, such that forces are not applied to the bracket assembly
by the archwire. With an insert in place, the archwire may be
further constrained such that bracket assembly 10, together with
insert 102, exerts a force on the archwire, and vice versa, and
acts as an active orthodontic appliance. The selective use of
inserts also may allow the bracket assembly to function as a hybrid
appliance, in which it is active in certain correctional force
directions and passive in others.
[0110] FIGS. 21-24 further schematically illustrate how inserts 102
may be used to change forces applied to a patient's tooth. In FIG.
21, an insert that surrounds the archwire on three sides (e.g., the
top, bottom, and right, as viewed from the illustrated orientation)
is shown. This style of insert may decrease the size of archwire
passage 34 and cause bracket assembly 10 to become an active
orthodontic appliance, whereas the bracket assembly may be a
passive appliance when the schematically illustrated insert is not
present. In contrast, FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration in which
insert 102 protrudes into one side of archwire passage 34, which as
illustrated is a right side that is generally opposed to and/or
faces the base of the bracket assembly. This insert may contact the
archwire, causing the archwire to apply an additional corrective
force that is directed to the right in FIG. 22. In FIG. 23, the
insert protrudes into the top (as viewed from the illustrated
orientation) of the archwire passage, and therefore this insert may
cause the archwire to apply an additional corrective force that is
directed upward relative to the force if an insert were not
present. Finally, FIG. 24 illustrates an insert that serves to
twist, or angle, the archwire passage, and thus an associated
archwire, in a clockwise direction. This type of insert may be used
to apply a torsional force to the tooth. In this example, an
associated archwire will apply a torsional force in a
counterclockwise direction. The insert may be box-shaped (i.e.,
with generally flat archwire passage defining surfaces), as shown,
but also may simply include one or more points of contact between
the insert and the archwire that serve to twist the archwire within
the archwire passage.
[0111] The insert configurations shown in FIGS. 22-24 are only four
potential embodiments and are merely schematically represented. It
is within the scope of the present disclosure that inserts 102 may
be designed to apply any desired corrective force or combination of
forces, also known as the insert prescription, to a tooth,
including tip, torque, and/or rotation forces applied to change the
angulation, inclination, rotation, height and/or location of the
tooth in order to move the tooth toward an optimal occlusion. As
used herein, tipping forces refer to forces applied to the tooth in
the mesio-distal direction. Thus, tipping forces may impact
angulation. Torsional forces refer to forces applied to the tooth
by an archwire that is in torsion within the archwire passage.
Thus, torsional forces tend to rotate the tooth in the
bucco-lingual directions and may impact inclination. Rotational
forces refer to applied forces that tend to rotate the tooth about
its long axis. Thus, while a particular insert cross-section is
shown in the Figures, it is within the scope of the present
disclosure that other insert cross-sections may be used and/or that
the insert cross-section may change along the length of the insert,
allowing the bracket assembly to apply forces to the tooth in all
three dimensions. For example, tipping forces that impact
angulation may be generated by inserts that cause the archwire
passage to be at an angle with respect to the occlusal plane, with
angles between -6.degree. and +6.degree. being common but not
exclusive examples. Torsional forces that impact inclination may be
generated by inserts that twist the archwire along its long axis,
as shown in FIG. 24, with torsional angles between -10.degree. and
+10.degree. being common but not exclusive examples. Rotational
forces may be generated by inserts that cause the archwire passage
to be at an angle with respect to the surface or the plane of the
tooth, with angles between -6.degree. and +6.degree. being common
but not exclusive examples. Inserts 102 may include any combination
of the above, such as, for example, a tip of +2.degree., a torsion
of -6.degree., and a rotation of +0.degree..
[0112] In addition to the use of inserts (and optionally,
interchangeable inserts) to change the forces applied to individual
teeth, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that a set,
or system, of bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure may include a plurality of interchangeable bases and a
plurality of interchangeable closures, with the plurality of
interchangeable bases and closures configured to direct corrective
forces differently from each other. Such a set may allow an
orthodontist to adjust the manner in which corrective forces are
directed to a particular tooth, both during the initial positioning
of the base and subsequently through the use of alternative caps,
without removing the base from the tooth, and without reshaping,
replacing, or otherwise reconfiguring the archwire. The use of
inserts 102 may allow additional fine-tuning of the forces applied
to a tooth.
[0113] An illustrative, non-exclusive example of an orthodontic
treatment method suitable for use with a bracket assembly according
to the present disclosure may include selecting one of a plurality
of bases, bonding the attaching surface of the base to a tooth or a
band that encircles a tooth, selecting one of a plurality of
closures configured to provide the approximate corrective force
desired, selecting one of a plurality of inserts configured to
fine-tune the applied corrective force to the desired value, and
assembling the closure and the insert on the base. During the
course of orthodontic treatment, the corrective forces may be
adjusted by replacing the insert with another insert having a
different prescription value. The plurality of inserts may include
a plurality of incrementally-designed inserts, each having a
slightly different prescription value, that allow for the
application of varying amounts of torque, tip, and rotation, with
incremental changes between minimum and maximum values. For
example, torque may be varied between -20.degree. and +20.degree..
Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of torque ranges according to
the present disclosure include torque values that are varied from
-15.degree. to +15.degree. in 5.degree. increments, -12.degree. to
+12.degree. in 3.degree. increments, or -10.degree. to +10.degree.
in 5.degree. increments. Tip and rotation may be varied between
-12.degree. and +12.degree.. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples
of tip and rotation ranges according to the present disclosure
include tip and rotation values that are varied from -10.degree. to
+10.degree. in 5.degree. increments, -8.degree. to +8.degree. in
4.degree. increments, or -6.degree. to +6.degree. in 3.degree.
increments. Values outside of these ranges, and smaller and larger
increments, are also within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0114] Incremental insert design may allow for the progressive use
of inserts with different prescription values throughout the
orthodontic treatment process and may significantly decrease the
overall time, labor, and patient discomfort associated with a
particular treatment. For example, the use of inserts may allow a
faster progression from small to large archwire diameters,
effectively eliminating the need for one or more archwire changes
during the course of the treatment by allowing the orthodontist to
fine-tune the applied corrective forces, further constrain the
archwire, and/or cause individual bracket assemblies to be active
or passive as desired. Additionally or alternatively, during the
course of normal orthodontic appliance (bracket) adjustments,
inserts may allow an orthodontist to fine-tune the forces applied
to individual teeth (such as by using inserts to change the
dimensions of individual archwire passages) without (re)bending the
existing archwire or requiring a new archwire to be used and
thereby decreasing the overall treatment time that otherwise would
be needed with conventional brackets.
[0115] As discussed herein, base and closure slot surfaces 20 and
30 according to the present disclosure may include additional
structure, such as archwire locating structures 84, that are
designed to locate the flat surfaces 96 of an archwire 90. These
structures, when used in conjunction with inserts as described
above, may allow the inserts to alter or otherwise modify the
forces applied by the archwire without requiring that archwire
passage 34 be significantly larger than archwire 90. This may
decrease the overall form factor and/or size of bracket assembly
10. Thus, in FIG. 25, a side view of archwire passage 34 is
schematically shown to include archwire locating structures 84,
such as convex projections 94 that serve to locate flat surfaces 96
of an archwire 90. Archwire 90 is constrained by archwire passage
34, such as within the illustrated closed boundary, but also may
rotate a defined amount in both the clockwise and counterclockwise
directions, such as schematically illustrated with archwire 90 in
dashed lines. Thus, by varying the geometry of archwire passage 34,
including the shape of convex projection 94, the permitted twist in
archwire 90 and resultant torque applied to a tooth, together with
the overall translational freedom of archwire 90, can be changed.
In addition, since the corners of the archwire are not directly
constrained by the geometry of the archwire passage, the closure
may be allowed to translate to a certain extent without putting
forces on the archwire or, alternatively, the archwire may be
allowed to translate without putting forces on the bracket
assembly. This may increase patient comfort during instances in
which external mechanical forces are inadvertently applied to
either the archwire or the bracket assembly by increasing the
shock-absorbing capabilities of the orthodontic appliance. In FIG.
25, the locating structures 84 and convex projections 94 are
schematically illustrated as being defined by the base and/or the
closure of the bracket assembly; however, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure that one or more (or none) of these
structures and projections may be defined by an optional
prescriptive insert, when present. Accordingly, in an example of
such an embodiment, the bracket assembly may define a passive
archwire passage when an insert is not present, and the presence of
an optional insert may define more than one optional position for
an associated archwire, when the insert is present. Other
configurations are also within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0116] As discussed herein, an optional insert 102 may additionally
or even alternatively serve aesthetic purposes. For example, a
front or labial-side view of an insert may include aesthetic
components designed to increase the visual appeal of a bracket
assembly. These aesthetic components may include any design (or
indicia), lettering, numbering, symbols, or logos. The insert
and/or closure also may be colored and/or clear and may have the
same, complementary, and/or contrasting colors and designs. These
aesthetic components may be standard components that are available
from the bracket assembly manufacturer or may be custom-created for
an individual patient. It is also within the scope of the present
disclosure that an insert serves an entirely aesthetic purpose and
does not interact with the archwire to modify the corrective forces
applied to a tooth.
[0117] Inserts 102 according to the present disclosure may be of
any suitable shape, size, and/or form factor, such that they
provide the desired archwire contacting and/or aesthetic
characteristics, and may be of a single or multiple-piece
construction. The inserts also may be placed from either the
tooth-side or the labial-side and may be contained within the cap,
within the base, within both the cap and the base, and/or simply
placed around the archwire and retained by the closed bracket
assembly. For inserts contained within the closure, placement from
the tooth-side and subsequent locking in place when the closure is
placed in the closed position may facilitate secure insert
mounting. Alternatively, placement from the labial-side may provide
a significant clinical advantage in terms of faster positioning
and/or prescription changes.
[0118] In addition, the archwire-contacting surfaces of the inserts
may include archwire locating structures, such as convex
projections. Inserts 102 according to the present disclosure may be
pre-slotted from the manufacturer and come as a set that allows an
orthodontist to select specific prescriptions from a provided
prescription series. Alternatively the inserts may be provided as
blanks, with the archwire passage being machined or otherwise
shaped by the orthodontist to meet the requirements of a particular
application or prescription. As a further (optional) alternative
inserts may be created in response to a desired prescription, and
potentially even created on-site by the orthodontist, such as via
the use of 3D (three-dimensional) printers and similar
technology.
[0119] Several illustrative, non-exclusive examples of orthodontic
appliances and bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 26-41.
These less-schematic, illustrative examples involve various
combinations of the optional structures and features discussed
herein, various base and closure geometries, single and
multiple-piece closure designs, as well as other features not
disclosed in the above discussion. The variety of features,
configurations, and structures discussed above are labeled in the
individual examples shown below but may not be discussed in detail
with respect to each example. Optional alternative configurations
and/or variants of several of the examples also are presented. The
various embodiments, configurations, and methods disclosed in the
paragraphs below are exemplary and should not be considered in a
limiting sense, but merely for illustrative purposes of one or more
of the aspects of the subject matter described herein. Numerous
variations and combinations are possible and considered to be
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0120] An illustrative, non-exclusive example of orthodontic
bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure is shown
in FIGS. 26-27 and generally indicated as bracket assembly 220.
Bracket assembly 220 provides an illustrative, non-exclusive
example of a self-ligating bracket assembly. As perhaps shown most
clearly in FIG. 27, two sides of archwire passage 34 of the bracket
assembly are defined by base slot surfaces 20 and two sides of the
archwire passage are defined by closure slot surfaces 30, similar
to the schematic assembly of FIG. 3. Base 16 is configured for
operative attachment to a tooth, while, as seen most clearly in
FIG. 27, closure 22 hinges from base 16 via hinge structure 74.
Although not required to all embodiments, hinge structure 74 may be
or include a "floating" hinge, as discussed herein, which enables
the closure to translate or otherwise deflect in response to
applied external forces, to thereby absorb some or all of these
forces (and thus potentially reducing the amount, if any, of the
applied external forces that are imparted to a patient's teeth,
reducing the potential for the bracket to be damaged, reducing the
potential for the bracket to be debonded from the tooth, etc.)
[0121] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 26, bracket assembly 220
further includes a clasp 76 that is selectively coupled to the
closure and the base to maintain the bracket assembly in a closed
configuration. As illustrated, clasp 76 includes a hook, or catch,
200 that is configured to be selectively engaged with a ledge, or
detent, 202 on the base of the bracket assembly. Likewise, clasp 76
includes an upper hook, or catch, that is configured to engage the
closure to secure the clasp for movement with the closure as the
closure pivots relative to the base in an open configuration. Clasp
76 may be transitioned from the closed configuration to an open
configuration by applying a force on the closure that is directed
toward the base and then pressing in on hook 200. Hook 200 may
additionally or alternatively be described as a spring clip or just
as a clip. In some applications, an orthodontist, technician, or
other operator may utilize a tool to apply at least some of these
forces to the clasp, although this is not required to all
embodiments. As discussed herein, both clasp 76 and hinge 74
structures also may allow closure 22 to be released from base 16 if
a force of large enough magnitude is applied to closure 22 or
archwire 90. Force-deflecting and/or force-directing structures 78,
in the form of angled surfaces, are present on both the base and
the closure and serve to both minimize the impact of these
non-corrective forces on the closure, thus minimizing the
likelihood that the closure will open and/or detach from the base,
and provide a base that is unlikely to debond from the tooth
surface.
[0122] When closure 22 is a "ratcheting" closure, the plurality of
closed configurations may be defined by one or more of a series of
spaced-apart detents 202 on the base of the bracket assembly and/or
a set of differently sized clasps, such as which may have different
lengths between the catches and/or different degrees of
resiliency.
[0123] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 27, the base further includes
an archwire retaining structure 80 in the form of an archwire
retaining projection 92. The base and closure also include archwire
locating structures in the form of convex projections that serve to
locate all four flat surfaces of an associated archwire. The cap
further includes closure ligating structures 100, which allow
attachment of an orthodontic chain to the bracket assemblies, while
minimizing contact between the archwire and the orthodontic chain,
thus minimizing friction. The closure also includes cap attachment
clearance structure 104, as best seen in FIG. 27, which allows the
closure to hinge between the open and closed configurations without
contacting an associated archwire, when present.
[0124] Bracket assembly 220 further includes a removable (and
optional) prescriptive insert 102, which in the illustrative,
non-exclusive example comprises a complex geometric shape. The
illustrated insert of bracket assembly 220 is placed within closure
22 from the labial-side of the closure and includes male keyed
portions 174, which are accepted into female keyed portions 176
within the closure and which serve to lock the prescriptive insert
102 into closure 22. It is within the scope of the present
disclosure that the relative locations of the keyed portions may be
reversed or varied and/or that other suitable interconnecting
structures may be used to selectively couple the insert to the
closure. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 27, the insert, when
present, serves to further define the shape of archwire passage 34.
A wide variety of insert shapes and corrective forces are possible
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and
bracket assembly 220 may be used without an insert. As discussed
herein, bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure
may include additional structures not disclosed above without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. An example of
such an additional structure is shown in FIGS. 26-27, in which
bracket assembly 220 is shown to further include a ball hook
204.
[0125] Additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples of
orthodontic bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure are shown in FIGS. 28-29 and are generally indicated at
260. FIGS. 28-29 disclose two similar self-ligating bracket
assemblies 10. In FIG. 28, one side of the archwire passage is
defined by base slot surface 20, and three sides of the archwire
passage are defined by closure slot surfaces 30, similar to the
schematic assembly of FIG. 4. In FIG. 29, one side of the archwire
passage is defined by base slot surface 20, and three sides of the
archwire passage are defined by a prescriptive insert 102, without
the closure 22 forming, or defining, any archwire contacting
surface. Both illustrated examples graphically depict base portions
that include one or more projections and/or recesses, thereby
providing for a wider range of positions for an archwire within the
archwire passage than if the base included only a completely flat
surface that defined a wall of the archwire passage. It is within
the scope of the present disclosure to include such a flat surface
on the portion of the base that defines a base wall, or base side,
of the archwire passage, but a more complex surface may permit the
bracket assembly to define a wider range of prescriptions.
[0126] In both examples of FIGS. 28 and 29, closure 22 is
operatively connected to base 16 using connecting assembly 32 in
the form of cone-shaped projections 120 and cone-shaped
indentations 122. Insert 102, when utilized, is inserted from the
tooth side into at least a frictional fit with the closure.
[0127] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 28, closure 22 of bracket
assembly 260 is somewhat table-shaped and includes legs 262 that
extend on opposed sides of the defined archwire passage. The long,
slender shape of the legs may provide the closure with a
spring-like or resilient character that may serve to absorb
external or non-corrective forces in a non-destructive manner. The
closure also may include two different sets of closure ligating
structures 100. Upper closure ligating structure 100 functions as
described herein. Lower closure ligating structure 100, which may
be referred to as a closure lock, allows the use of a ligature
below the associated archwire to lock closure 22 onto base 16,
increasing the rigidity of bracket assembly 260 and allowing the
orthodontist to apply larger corrective forces without allowing
separation of closure 22 from base 16.
[0128] Bracket assembly 260 also may utilize channels 266 defined
by the base to facilitate installation and/or removal of closure 22
from base 16 by directing cone-shaped projections 120 toward
cone-shaped indentations 122 and/or by allowing cone-shaped
projections 120 to more easily separate from cone-shaped
indentations 122 through application of an external force in a
pre-defined direction. As illustrated, the channels, or recesses,
266 extend from the indentations and define a path through which
the corresponding cone-shaped projections may be removed from the
indentations, such as responsive to an orthodontist, technician, or
other operator urging the projections into the channels and away
from the indentations. Although not required, FIG. 29 illustrates
that the channels on each side of the base of the bracket assembly
may have a different shape and/or orientation relative to the
indentations. Such a construction may permit only a pair of the
projections to be removed from the corresponding indentations, such
as would permit the other set of projections and indentations to
function as a hinge (or even a floating hinge) that enables pivotal
movement of the closure relative to the base. In such a
configuration, the closure could optionally be completely removed
from the base by urging the remaining (connected) projections into
the corresponding grooves to also free these projections from
contact with the indentations, and thereby untethering the closure
from the base. It is within the scope of the present disclosure
that only one set of such projections are designed to be
selectively removed from the corresponding indentations, thereby
permitting pivotal movement of the closure relative to the base
without permitting complete removal and reattachment of the closure
to the base.
[0129] FIG. 28 schematically illustrates two archwires 90 of
differing cross-sectional areas. In practice, only one archwire may
be used; however, the two different archwires illustrate the fact
that the use of insert 102 may allow the application of bracket
assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure, such as bracket
assembly 260, to retain archwires of varying cross-sectional area
without the need to replace either base 16 or closure 22. FIGS.
28-29 illustrate that legs 262 of the closure may have various
shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In FIG. 28, legs 262 define closure slot surfaces 30 that define
three surfaces of the archwire passage. Thus, closure 22 of FIG. 28
may be utilized with or without an insert 102. In contrast, FIG. 29
shows legs 262 of closure 22 that do not define any closure slot
surfaces. In this example, insert 102 may be used to fully define
the archwire passage and retain an archwire 90 in place. While an
insert may be required to apply corrective forces with the bracket
assembly when utilizing cap configurations according to FIG. 29,
the comparatively large clearance between closure 22 and archwire
90 provides for a great degree of flexibility regarding the
placement of the archwire with respect to bracket assembly 260.
Moreover, in some applications, as discussed herein, it may be
desirable during orthodontic treatment for one or more of the
bracket assemblies to be passive and to not provide corrective
forces to the corresponding tooth to which the bracket assembly is
attached.
[0130] Yet another illustrative, non-exclusive example of
orthodontic bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 30-31 and indicated generally at 280.
FIGS. 30-31 disclose a bracket assembly 10 in which, as shown most
clearly in FIG. 31, base 16 and closure 22 each define one complete
side of the archwire passage, and two partial sides, similar to the
schematic assembly of FIG. 5. Closure 22 comprises first closure
portion 38 and second closure portion 40. Each closure portion
hinges from base 16 via pin hinge assemblies 160 and the two
closure portions may be connected to each other using fastening
structure 110 in the form of hook 200 and ledge 202. Bracket
assembly 280 may further include base ligating structures 72 and
force-deflecting structures 78. For example the components of the
fastening structure may be configured to interlock, or interengage,
with each other upon urging of the first and second closure
portions together. To release the fastening structure, an
orthodontist, technician, or other operator may apply an external
force to the closure, such as by pressing upon the first closure
portion, pressing upon the second closure portion, inserting a tool
to urge the closure portions apart, etc. The location of such an
applied opening force may vary depending upon the particular size
and configuration of the components of the fastening structure
being utilized.
[0131] Yet another illustrative, non-exclusive example of
orthodontic bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 32-33 and indicated at 300. FIGS.
32-33 disclose a bracket assembly 10 in which, as most clearly
shown in FIG. 33, base 16 defines one side of the archwire passage
34, while closure 22 defines three sides of the archwire passage,
similar to the schematic assembly of FIG. 4. Similar to bracket
assembly 280, closure 22 of assembly 300 comprises first closure
portion 38 and second closure portion 40, each closure portion
hinges from base 16 via a hinge, and the two closure portions may
be operatively connected to each other using fastening structure
110. Bracket assembly 300 further includes resilient pads 302 that
act as springs to selectively keep the fastening structure in a
secured, closed configuration and also that dampen external forces
applied to the bracket assembly. Resilient pads 302 may comprise
any suitable material, including elastomeric cushions, metallic
springs, metallic clips, foam pads, shock absorbers, and/or any
other structure adapted to provide a resilient, shock-absorbing
force.
[0132] Yet another illustrative, non-exclusive example of
orthodontic bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 34-35 and indicated at 400. Bracket
assembly 400 includes a base 16, a closure 22 that is pivotally
coupled to the base, and a prescriptive insert 102 that is received
within the closure. The closure includes a pin that is received
within a slot of the base to form a hinge assembly. This slot of
the base extends from the attaching surface 12 of the base.
Accordingly, the closure must be coupled to the base prior to
attaching the base to a patient's tooth. The closure of bracket
assembly 400 includes a hook, or spring clip, 402 that mates with a
groove 404 in a snap-fit arrangement to form a clasp 76, as perhaps
best seen in FIG. 35.
[0133] Prescriptive insert 102 of bracket assembly 400 includes a
pair of laterally extending pins 406 that are received in a pair of
channels 408 of the closure. The insert also includes an opening
410 extending from the buccal, or facial, side of the insert. This
opening is configured to receive an instrument so that a user may
pivot the insert relative to the closure and for removal of the
insert from the closure. It is also within the scope of the present
disclosure for this opening to be used to receive and secure an
aesthetic insert, such as for customization of a bracket assembly
by or for a user.
[0134] With particular reference to FIG. 35, it can be seen that
the prescriptive insert and base of bracket assembly 400
collectively define the archwire passage 34, with the closure of
the bracket assembly forming no archwire contacting surface.
However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that
bracket assembly 400 may be used without the illustrated
prescriptive insert and with other various prescriptive inserts, in
which the closure does define an archwire contacting surface of the
archwire passage. It is also within the scope of the present
disclosure that an orthodontic appliance system may include a
plurality of variously configured closures for selective use with
the illustrated base of bracket assembly 400. That is, a plurality
of closures may be provided for selective coupling to the
illustrated base and that may or may not define archwire contacting
surfaces either alone or together with an prescriptive insert, and
bracket assemblies 400 are not limited to using only the
illustrated closure of FIGS. 34-35, as any suitable configuration
is within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0135] Another illustrative, non-exclusive example of orthodontic
bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure is shown
in FIGS. 36-37 and indicated at 500. Bracket assembly 500 includes
a base 16 and a prescriptive closure 22. Bracket assembly 500 is an
example of a bracket assembly 10 in which a separate prescriptive
insert is not utilized. However, more than one closure of bracket
assembly 500 may be provided, with various prescriptions defined by
the plurality of closures. Accordingly, a closure may be selected
based on a desired prescription to be defined by a bracket assembly
500. Additionally, as seen with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the
base of bracket assembly 500 is laterally symmetrical. Therefore, a
single closure may be positioned in one of two directions,
effectively defining two unique prescriptions of the bracket
assembly depending on the selected orientation of the selected
closure.
[0136] The base of bracket assembly 500 includes two pairs of
T-shaped channels 502, into which corresponding L-shaped hooks 504
of the closure are received. In the illustrated views, these
L-shaped hooks extend to the left; however, the closure may be
selectively turned around so that the L-shaped hooks extend to the
right and still appropriately mate with the base of the assembly
and thereby define a second, different prescription.
[0137] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 37, the illustrated closure
defines two sides of the archwire passage 34 and would impart a
counterclockwise twist (as viewed in FIG. 37) on an associated
archwire. That is, with the illustrated closure, an associated
archwire would impart a clockwise twisting corrective force on the
bracket assembly 500. However, if the closure were reversed in its
orientation, an associated archwire would impart a counterclockwise
twist corrective force. As also seen in FIG. 37, base 16 of
assembly 500 includes three convex projections 94 that may engage
an associated archwire. However, when the illustrated closure is
utilized with the base, the right illustrated projection 94 is
prevented from contacting an associated archwire. Various other
suitable closures of bracket assemblies 500, on the other hand, may
not prevent the right projection 94 from engaging an associated
archwire. Various configurations of closures are within the scope
of the present disclosure, including configurations in which none,
one, two, or all three of the illustrated projections 94 are
prevented from engaging an associated archwire, including various
closures that define any suitable orthodontic prescription, as
discussed herein.
[0138] Closure 22 of bracket assembly 500 includes an opening 506
extending from the buccal, or facial, side of the closure. This
opening is configured to receive an instrument so that a user may
selectively remove the closure from the base and/or position the
closure relative to the base. This opening also may selectively
receive an aesthetic insert to alter the look of the bracket
assembly.
[0139] Another illustrative, non-exclusive example of orthodontic
bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure is shown
in FIGS. 38-39 and indicated at 600. Bracket assembly 600 is
similar to bracket assembly 500, in that it includes a base 16 and
a prescriptive closure 22, but does not utilize a separate
prescriptive insert. Also similarly, more than one closure of
bracket assembly 600 may be provided, with various prescriptions
defined by the plurality of closures, and a closure may be selected
based on a desired prescription to be defined by bracket assembly
600. Also like bracket assembly 500, the base of bracket assembly
600 is laterally symmetrical, and therefore a single closure may be
positioned in one of two directions with respect to the base,
effectively defining two unique prescriptions of the bracket
assembly depending on the selected orientation of a single
closure.
[0140] The base of bracket assembly 600 includes two pairs of
channels 602 extending from the coronal and apical sides of the
base, with each channel including a circular end region 604. The
closure of bracket assembly 600 includes a pair of corresponding
pins 606 on only one of the coronal or apical sides of the closure
(depending on the selected orientation of the closure). The pins
may be described as flattened cylinders with opposing flat
surfaces, with the distance between the flat surfaces permitting
insertion of the pins into channels 602 of the base, for example,
with the closure rotated 90 degrees from the orientation
illustrated in FIGS. 38-39. When the pins are fully inserted into
the channels and the closure is then pivoted to the illustrated
position, the circular end regions 604 retain the pins in place and
thus the closure in a coupled configuration to the base. The
opposite side of the closure from the pins 606 includes a flange
608 with a bulbous end region 610, with the flange additionally or
alternatively described as a spring clip. This end region is
configured to have a snap-fit arrangement with the edge of the
channels 602, as illustrated in FIGS. 38-39. Accordingly, when the
closure is pivoted into place, it will secure an associated
archwire in the archwire passage 34.
[0141] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 39, the illustrated closure
defines two sides of the archwire passage and would impart a
counterclockwise twist (as viewed in FIG. 39) on an associated
archwire. That is, with the illustrated closure, an associated
archwire would impart a clockwise twist corrective force on the
bracket assembly 600. However, if the closure were reversed in its
orientation, an associated archwire would impart a counterclockwise
twist corrective force. As also seen in FIG. 39, base 16 of bracket
assembly 600 includes three convex projections 94 that may engage
an associated archwire. However, when the illustrated closure is
utilized with the base, the right illustrated projection 94 is
prevented from contacting an associated archwire. Various other
suitable closures of bracket assemblies 600, on the other hand, may
not prevent the right projection 94 from engaging an associated
archwire. Various configurations of closures are within the scope
of the present disclosure, including configurations in which none,
one, two, or all three of the illustrated projections 94 are
prevented from engaging an associated archwire, including various
closures that define any suitable orthodontic prescription, as
discussed herein.
[0142] Closure 22 of bracket assembly 600 includes an opening 612
extending from the buccal, or facial, side of the closure. This
opening is configured to receive an instrument so that a user may
selectively open the bracket assembly for insertion and removal of
an associated archwire. This opening may also selectively receive
an aesthetic insert to alter the look of the bracket assembly.
[0143] Yet another illustrative, non-exclusive example of
orthodontic bracket assemblies 10 according to the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 40-41 and indicated at 700. Bracket
assembly 700 includes a base 16, a closure 22 that is pivotally
coupled to the base, and a prescriptive insert 102 that is received
within the closure. Bracket assembly 700 is similar to bracket
assembly 220 of FIGS. 26-27, in that the closure and base
collectively define a floating hinge 74 having a pair of
cone-shaped projections 120 and cone-shaped indentations 122, and a
clasp 76 selectively retains the closure in a closed configuration.
However, in contrast to bracket assembly 220, which includes a
prescriptive insert that slides into place and includes a keyed
portion, the prescriptive insert of bracket assembly 700 is
pivotally coupled to the closure, somewhat akin to the closure of
bracket assembly 600 of FIGS. 38-39. More specifically, the closure
of bracket assembly 700 includes a pair of channels 702 that extend
from the facial side of the closure and that include circular end
regions 704. The prescriptive insert of bracket assembly 700
includes a pair of corresponding pins 706, which may be described
as flattened cylinders with opposing flat surfaces permitting
insertion of the pins into channels 702 of the closure, for
example, with the insert rotated approximately 60 degrees clockwise
from the orientation illustrated in FIG. 41. The insert also
includes a pair of channels 708 that engage the clasp 76 when the
assembly is fully assembled, as best seen in the exploded view of
FIG. 40. Accordingly, when the pins of the insert are fully
inserted into the channels and the prescriptive insert is rotated
counterclockwise (from the perspective of FIG. 41), the insert is
retained in place by the clasp.
[0144] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 41, the illustrated closure of
bracket assembly 700 does not define any archwire contacting
surfaces; however, such closures that are configured to engage an
associated archwire are within the scope of bracket assemblies 700
according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example,
the base includes a convex projection 94 and collectively defines
one side of the archwire passage 34 together with the illustrated
prescriptive insert. In the illustrated example, an associated
archwire would impart a clockwise twist corrective force on the
bracket assembly 700, but other configurations of prescriptive
inserts are within the scope of the present disclosure, as are
other closures of bracket assemblies 700, such that various
orthodontic prescriptions of the bracket assembly may be
selectively defined.
[0145] The prescriptive insert of bracket assembly 700 includes an
opening 710 extending from the buccal, or facial, side of the
insert. This opening is configured to receive an instrument so that
the insert may be selectively removed from the bracket assembly.
This opening may additionally or alternatively be used to
selectively receive an aesthetic insert to alter the look of the
bracket assembly.
[0146] The illustrative bracket assembly 700 also includes optional
closure ligating structures 100, including optional ligating
structure 712 that is positioned lingual, or palatel, of an
associated archwire retained by the bracket assembly. Also included
is an optional base ligating structure 72, which may be used to
selectively couple one bracket assembly to another, such as an
upper bracket assembly to a lower bracket assembly via an elastic
band, and/or to secure the closure in a closed configuration.
[0147] Another illustrative, non-exclusive example of orthodontic
bracket assemblies 10 according to the present disclosure is shown
in FIG. 42 and indicated at 800. Like many of the other bracket
assemblies 10 disclosed herein, bracket assembly 800 includes a
base 16, a closure 22 that is coupled to the base by connecting
structure 32. In the illustrated example, connecting structure 32
is shown with the previously discussed cone-shaped projections 120
and indentations 122, but other shapes and configurations of
connecting structure may be utilized that also enable the closure
to "float" relative to the base, such as in response to forces
applied thereto. In other words, connecting structure 32 may be
configured to permit the closure to be reversibly displaced within
a range of connected positions relative to the base without
detaching from the base, and moreover optionally may be biased to
automatically return to a nominal, or resting position, when such
applied forces are removed.
[0148] Optional channels 266 that define paths for selective
removal of the closure by disengagement of projections 120 from
indentations 122 are also indicated in FIG. 42, although it is also
within the scope of the present disclosure that closure 22 is not
configured for repeated removal and reattachment to base 16.
Specifically, and unlike many of the other previously illustrated
examples, closure 22 includes a closure body 802 that itself
includes a self-ligating gate 804 that is selectively translated
and/or pivoted between open and closed configurations relative to
the closure body to respectively enable or obstruct an archwire
being inserted or removed through an opening 33 of the archwire
passage. Gate 804 may be selectively retained in a closed
configuration by a closure clasp 876, and in some embodiments may
be selectively pivoted relative to the closure body by a closure
hinge 874. Also shown in FIG. 42 is a linkage 806 that selectively
interconnects legs 808 of the closure body.
[0149] Similar to some of the previously discussed examples, base
16 is illustrated in FIG. 42 to define a base slot surface 20 that
includes at least one projection 94, but it is within the scope of
the present disclosure that the base slot surface may be planar or
otherwise free from projections or indentations and/or that the
base may define more than a single surface, or side, of the bracket
assembly's archwire passage 34. Additional optional, and previously
discussed, structure that is shown in FIG. 42 includes base
ligating structure 72, closure ligating structure 100, and insert
102.
[0150] An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a closure 22 that
is configured to permit selective adjustment, or positioning, of an
insert 102 within a series, or range of defined positions is shown
somewhat schematically in FIG. 43. As shown, the closure is
configured to define at least one, if not several, sides or
surfaces of a bracket assembly's archwire passage 34 and includes
an internal surface 880 that defines a series of spaced-apart
detents, or stops, 882 that are configured to be selectively
interengaged with an insert to couple the insert to the closure,
such as for relative movement with the closure and/or to alter the
prescription defined by the closure. Also shown in FIG. 43 are a
pair of opposed cone-shaped projections 120 that form a portion of
a connecting assembly 32 to selectively couple the closure to a
base of bracket assembly 10, although other suitable connecting
structure may be utilized without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0151] An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a bracket assembly
10 that includes a closure 22 that may be selectively positioned in
a series, or range, of predetermined operative positions relative
to a base 16 to which the closure is coupled is shown in FIG. 44
and indicated generally at 900. Specifically, bracket assembly 900
includes a connecting assembly 32 that includes the previously
discussed cone-shaped projections 120 and indentations 122;
however, base 16 includes a plurality of closed-spaced indentations
122 for each of projections 120. The adjacent indentations 122 of
each plurality of indentations optionally may be interconnected by
channels or other recesses or grooves along which the tip of the
corresponding projection may travel, although this is not required.
Although other suitable configurations, relative numbers, and/or
relative positions of the components of connecting assembly 32 may
be utilized, the "float" provided by the illustrated example may be
designed so that the closure may be selectively retained in a
plurality of different operative configurations relative to the
base, such as depending upon which of the indentations of each
plurality of indentations the corresponding projection 120 is
coupled. Changing the relative position of the closure results in a
change in the dimensions of archwire passage 34. This, in turn, may
alter the prescription defined by the bracket assembly (and any
optional insert that may be used therewith. Additional optional,
and previously discussed, structure that is shown in FIG. 44
includes base ligating structure 72, closure ligating structure
100, and insert 102.
[0152] As discussed, bracket assemblies 10 within the scope of the
present disclosure may include features, components, and/or
variants that are described and/or illustrated herein in connection
with one or more of the illustrative, non-exclusive examples that
are shown in the accompanying drawings, even if such features,
components, and/or variants are not all illustrated together or in
the same combination.
[0153] Illustrative, non-exclusive, examples of descriptions of
some orthodontic appliances within the scope of the present
disclosure are presented in the following "enumerated" paragraphs.
The following paragraphs are not intended to be an exhaustive set
of descriptions, and are not intended to define minimum or maximum
scopes or required elements of the present disclosure. Instead,
they are provided as illustrative examples of selected orthodontic
appliances that are within the scope of the present disclosure,
with other descriptions of broader or narrower scopes still being
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0154] A1 An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0155] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth and
including a plurality of bracket archwire contacting surfaces;
and
[0156] a prescriptive insert adapted to be removably coupled to the
bracket and including an insert archwire contacting surface,
wherein when the prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, the
bracket and prescriptive insert collectively define an archwire
passage that is adapted to receive an associated archwire, wherein
the archwire passage is defined by the plurality of bracket
archwire contacting surfaces and insert archwire contacting
surface.
[0157] A1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A1,
wherein the archwire passage is a first archwire passage, and
wherein when the prescriptive insert is not coupled to the bracket,
the bracket alone defines a second archwire passage that is adapted
to receive the associated archwire, wherein the second archwire
passage shares at least one common surface with the first archwire
passage.
[0158] A1.1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A1.1,
wherein when the prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, the
prescriptive insert prevents at least one of the plurality of
bracket archwire contacting surfaces from engaging the associated
archwire when the associated archwire is received in the first
archwire passage.
[0159] A1.1.1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph
A1.1.1, wherein when the prescriptive insert is coupled to the
bracket, the prescriptive insert prevents at least two of the
plurality of bracket archwire contacting surfaces from engaging the
associated archwire when the associated archwire is received in the
first archwire passage.
[0160] A1.1.1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph
A1.1.1, wherein when the prescriptive insert is coupled to the
bracket, the prescriptive insert prevents some but not all of the
plurality of bracket archwire contacting surfaces from engaging the
associated archwire when the associated archwire is received in the
first archwire passage.
[0161] A1.1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.1-A1.1.1.2,
[0162] wherein when the bracket is coupled to a tooth, when the
prescriptive insert is coupled to the bracket, and when the
associated archwire is received in the first archwire passage, the
associated archwire imparts a first prescriptive force; and
[0163] wherein when the bracket is coupled to a tooth, when the
prescriptive insert is not coupled to the bracket, and when the
associated archwire is received in the second archwire passage, the
associated archwire imparts a second prescriptive force that is
different than the first prescriptive force.
[0164] A1.1.3 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraphs
A1.1-A1.1.2, wherein the first archwire passage overlaps with the
second archwire passage.
[0165] A1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1-A1.1.3, further comprising a plurality of prescriptive inserts
each adapted to be removably coupled to the bracket to collectively
define with the bracket a unique archwire passage.
[0166] A1.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1-A1.2, wherein the bracket is a self-ligating bracket and
includes:
[0167] a base adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth;
[0168] a closure coupled to the base for selective movement
relative to the base for selective insertion and removal of the
associated archwire.
[0169] A1.3.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A1.3,
wherein the closure defines at least one surface of an archwire
passage.
[0170] A1.3.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.3-A1.3.1, wherein the closure is adapted to move among a range
of positions relative to the base and to be selectively secured in
a plurality of orientations within the range of positions, wherein
each of the plurality of orientations of the closure at least
partially defines a unique cross-sectional profile of an archwire
passage.
[0171] A1.3.2.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph
A1.3.2, wherein the closure has a ratcheting configuration relative
to the base.
[0172] A1.3.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.3-A1.3.2.1, further comprising a floating hinge that couples the
closure to the base.
[0173] A1.4 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1-A1.3.2.1, wherein the insert is configured to be removably
coupled to the bracket in a plurality of prescription-defining
positions, wherein a unique archwire passage is defined when the
insert is coupled to the bracket in each of the plurality of
prescription-defining positions.
[0174] A1.4.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A1.4,
wherein each unique archwire passage defines a unique prescription
in which a unique prescriptive force is applied to the patient's
tooth when the bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth and when
the associated archwire is received in the unique archwire
passage.
[0175] A1.4.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.4-A1.4.1, wherein the insert is configured to be selectively and
incrementally translated and/or pivoted into the archwire passage
among a range of the plurality of prescription-defining
positions.
[0176] A1.4.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.4-A1.4.2, wherein in response to selective positioning of the
insert among the plurality of prescription-defining positions, a
prescription of the orthodontic appliance system is selectively
adjusted.
[0177] A1.5 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1-A1.4.3, wherein the archwire passage is configured to receive
the associated archwire in a plurality of orientations, wherein
each orientation defines a unique prescription of the orthodontic
appliance system.
[0178] A1.5.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A1.5,
wherein the archwire passage includes at least one non-planar
surface configured to engage the associated archwire in more than
one of the plurality of orientations.
[0179] A1.5.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A1.5-A1.5.1, wherein the archwire passage includes at least one
surface that includes a convex surface extending into the archwire
passage.
[0180] A1.5.2.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph
A1.5.2, wherein the convex surface includes an apex, and wherein
the archwire passage is configured to selectively receive the
associated archwire so that it engages the convex surface on either
side of the apex.
[0181] A1.6 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A-A1.5.2.1, wherein the system includes any of the various
features, structures, portions, components, variations,
characteristics, etc, of the systems of any of paragraphs A2-E4
(below).
[0182] A1.7 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A-A1.6, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0183] A2 An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0184] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth,
wherein the bracket defines an archwire passage for receiving an
associated archwire, wherein the archwire passage includes a
plurality of archwire bracket surfaces, wherein each of the
plurality of archwire bracket surfaces is positioned to engage the
archwire when the archwire is received in the archwire passage, and
wherein the plurality of archwire bracket surfaces defines a first
prescription to impart a first prescriptive force to the patient's
tooth when the bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth and when
the associated archwire is received in the archwire passage;
and
[0185] a plurality of prescription-altering inserts, wherein each
of the plurality of prescription-altering inserts is configured to
be removably coupled to the bracket and includes at least one
archwire insert surface positioned to engage the associated
archwire when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage and when a respective prescription-altering insert is
coupled to the bracket;
[0186] wherein when one of the plurality of prescription-altering
inserts is coupled to the bracket, the at least one archwire insert
surface and a subset of the plurality of archwire bracket surfaces
define a second prescription to impart a second prescriptive force
to the patient's tooth when the bracket is coupled to the patient
tooth and when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage, wherein the second prescriptive force is different than
the first prescriptive force.
[0187] A2.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A2,
wherein when one of the plurality of prescription-altering inserts
is coupled to the bracket, it prevents at least one of the
plurality of archwire bracket surfaces from engaging the associated
archwire when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage.
[0188] A2.1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A2.1,
wherein when one of the plurality of prescription-altering inserts
is coupled to the bracket, it prevents at least two of the
plurality of archwire bracket surfaces from engaging the associated
archwire when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage.
[0189] A2.1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A2.1,
wherein when one of the plurality of prescription-altering inserts
is coupled to the bracket, it prevents some but not all of the
plurality of archwire bracket surfaces from engaging the associated
archwire when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage.
[0190] A2.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A2-A2.1.2, wherein more than one of the plurality of
prescription-altering inserts each define a unique second
prescription.
[0191] A2.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A2-A2.2, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the systems of any of paragraphs A1-A1.7 (above) and A3-E4
(below).
[0192] A2.4 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A2-A2.3, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0193] A3 An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0194] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth;
and
[0195] a prescription-altering insert configured to be removably
coupled to the bracket;
[0196] wherein the bracket defines a first prescriptive archwire
passage adapted to receive a first prescriptive force from an
associated archwire received within the first prescriptive archwire
passage when the bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth and when
the prescription-altering insert is not coupled to the bracket;
[0197] wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to
the bracket, it extends into the first prescriptive archwire
passage and with the bracket collectively defines a second
prescriptive archwire passage adapted to receive a second
prescriptive force from an associated archwire received within the
second prescriptive archwire passage; and
[0198] wherein the first prescriptive archwire passage and the
second prescriptive archwire passage share at least one common
surface of the bracket.
[0199] A3.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A3,
wherein the first prescriptive archwire passage is defined by a
plurality of bracket surfaces, and wherein when the
prescription-altering insert is coupled to the bracket, it prevents
at least one of the plurality of bracket surfaces from engaging the
associated archwire when the associated archwire is received in the
second prescriptive archwire passage.
[0200] A3.1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A3.1,
wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to the
bracket, it prevents at least two of the plurality of bracket
surfaces from engaging the associated archwire when the associated
archwire is received in the second prescriptive archwire
passage.
[0201] A3.1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A3.1,
wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to the
bracket, it prevents some but not all of the plurality of bracket
surfaces from engaging the associated archwire when the associated
archwire is received in the second prescriptive archwire
passage.
[0202] A3.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A3-A3.1.2, further comprising a plurality of prescription-altering
inserts, wherein each of the plurality of prescription-altering
inserts together with the bracket collectively define a unique
second prescriptive archwire passage when the respective
prescription-altering insert is coupled to the bracket.
[0203] A3.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A3-A3.2, wherein the second prescriptive force is different than
the first prescriptive force.
[0204] A3.4 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A3-A3.3, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the systems of any of paragraphs A1-A2.4 (above) and A4-E4
(below).
[0205] A3.5 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A3-A3.4, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0206] A4 An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0207] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth,
wherein the bracket defines a first archwire passage adapted to
receive an associated archwire and having a first cross-sectional
profile adapted to impart a first prescriptive force on the
patient's tooth when the associated archwire is received in the
first archwire passage; and
[0208] a prescription-altering insert configured to be removably
coupled to the bracket, wherein when the prescription-altering
insert is coupled to the bracket, the bracket and the
prescription-altering insert collectively define a second archwire
passage adapted to receive the associated archwire and having a
second cross-sectional profile adapted to impart a second
prescriptive force on the patient's tooth when the associated
archwire is received in the second archwire passage;
[0209] wherein the first archwire passage and the second archwire
passage share at least one common surface of the bracket.
[0210] A4.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A4,
wherein the first archwire passage is defined by a plurality of
bracket surfaces, and wherein when the prescription-altering insert
is coupled to the bracket, it prevents at least one of the
plurality of bracket surfaces from engaging the associated archwire
when the associated archwire is received in the second archwire
passage.
[0211] A4.1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A4.1,
wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to the
bracket, it prevents at least two of the plurality of bracket
surfaces from engaging the associated archwire when the associated
archwire is received in the second archwire passage.
[0212] A4.1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph A4.1,
wherein when the prescription-altering insert is coupled to the
bracket, it prevents some but not all of the plurality of bracket
surfaces from engaging the associated archwire when the associated
archwire is received in the second archwire passage.
[0213] A4.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A4-A4.1.2, further comprising a plurality of prescription-altering
inserts, wherein each of the plurality of prescription-altering
inserts together with the bracket collectively define a unique
second archwire passage when the respective prescription-altering
insert is coupled to the bracket.
[0214] A4.3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A4-A4.2, wherein the second prescriptive force is different than
the first prescriptive force.
[0215] A4.4 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A4-A4.3, wherein the second cross-sectional profile is different
than the first cross-sectional profile.
[0216] A4.5 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A4-A4.4, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the systems of any of paragraphs A1-A3.5 (above) and B-E4
(below).
[0217] A4.6 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
A4-A4.5, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
structures, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc,
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0218] B A self-ligating orthodontic appliance system,
comprising:
[0219] a base adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth;
[0220] a closure coupled to the base for selective movement
relative to the base, wherein the base and the closure collectively
define an archwire passage adapted to receive an associated
archwire; and
[0221] wherein the base and the closure collectively define a
connecting assembly configured to movably connect the closure to
the base and to permit selective configuration of the orthodontic
appliance between an open configuration, in which the archwire
passage is configured to permit selective insertion and removal of
the associated archwire to and from the archwire passage, and a
closed configuration, in which the archwire passage is configured
to retain the associated archwire within the archwire passage,
wherein the connecting assembly defines a floating hinge that
includes: [0222] a pair of male portions; and [0223] a pair of
female portions that each define a recess for receiving a
respective male portion, wherein the floating hinge is configured
so that the male portions are biased toward a nominal position
within the recesses when an external lateral force on the closure
relative to the base is less than a displacement force, and so that
the male portions are translated away from the recesses when the
external lateral force on the closure relative to the base is
greater than or equal to the displacement force.
[0224] B1 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of
paragraph B, wherein the closure is removably coupled to the
base.
[0225] B2 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B1, wherein the floating hinge is further configured
so that the male portions translate within the recesses but are not
forced out of the recesses when the external force on the cap
relative to the base is less than a removal force that is greater
than the displacement force.
[0226] B3 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B2, wherein the male portions each include a
cone-shaped projection, and the female portions each include a
cone-shaped indentation that define the recesses, wherein when the
male portions are in the nominal position, an apex of each
cone-shaped projection is engaged with an apex of the respective
cone-shaped indentation.
[0227] B4 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B3, wherein the base includes the pair of male
portions and the cap includes the pair of female portions.
[0228] B5 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B3, wherein the base includes the pair of female
portions and the cap includes the pair of male portions.
[0229] B6 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B4, wherein the system includes any of the various
features, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc.
of the systems of any of paragraphs A1-A4.6 (above) and C-E4
(below), including (but not limited to) inclusion of one or more of
a ratcheting closure, a prescriptive insert, a ratcheting
prescriptive insert, and a non-planar archwire wall or surface.
[0230] B7 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs B-B5, wherein the system includes any of the various
features, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc.
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0231] C An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0232] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth;
and
[0233] a prescriptive insert adapted to be removably coupled to the
bracket in a plurality of prescription-defining positions;
[0234] wherein the bracket and the prescriptive insert collectively
define an archwire passage adapted to receive an associated
archwire when the insert is coupled to the bracket, wherein each of
the plurality of prescription-defining positions each define a
unique prescription in which a unique prescription force is applied
to the patient's tooth when the bracket is coupled to the patient's
tooth and when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage.
[0235] C1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph C, wherein
each of the plurality of prescription-defining positions
respectively defines a unique prescription of the archwire passage,
wherein each unique prescription corresponds to a unique
prescriptive force that is applied to the patient's tooth when the
bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth and when the associated
archwire is received in the archwire passage.
[0236] C1.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph C1,
wherein in response to selective positioning of the insert among
the plurality of prescription-defining positions, the unique
prescription is selectively adjusted.
[0237] C1.2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
C-C1.1, wherein the prescriptive insert is configured to be
selectively and incrementally translated and/or pivoted into the
archwire passage among a range of the plurality of
prescription-defining positions.
[0238] C1.2.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph C1.2,
wherein the unique prescription is based at least in part on an
extent into the archwire passage that the prescriptive insert
extends.
[0239] C2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
C-C1.2.1, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc. of the
systems of any of paragraphs A1-B7 (above) and D-E4 (below),
including (but not limited to) inclusion of one or more of a
self-ligating feature, a ratcheting closure, a ratcheting
prescriptive insert, a non-planar archwire wall or surface, and a
floating hinge.
[0240] C3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
C-C2, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc. of the
bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0241] D A self-ligating orthodontic appliance system,
comprising:
[0242] a base adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth; and
[0243] a closure coupled to the base for selective movement
relative to the base among a range of prescription-defining
positions, wherein the base and the closure collectively define an
archwire passage adapted to receive an associated archwire, wherein
the closure is adapted to be selectively secured in more than one
of the prescription-defining positions, wherein each
prescription-defining position defines a unique prescription that
corresponds to a unique prescriptive force that is applied to the
patient's tooth when the bracket is coupled to the patient's tooth
and when the associated archwire is received in the archwire
passage.
[0244] D1 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of
paragraph D, wherein the closure is hingedly coupled to the base
and is configured to pivot relative to the base in the plurality of
positions.
[0245] D2 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs D-D1, wherein the system includes any of the various
features, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc.
of the systems of any of paragraphs A1-C3 (above) and E-E4 (below),
including (but not limited to) inclusion of one or more of a
prescriptive insert, a ratcheting prescriptive insert, a non-planar
archwire wall or surface, and a floating hinge.
[0246] D3 The self-ligating orthodontic appliance system of any of
paragraphs D-D2, wherein the system includes any of the various
features, portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc.
of the bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0247] E An orthodontic appliance system, comprising:
[0248] a bracket adapted to be coupled to a patient's tooth,
wherein the bracket defines an archwire passage configured to
receive an associated archwire in a plurality of orientations,
wherein each orientation defines a unique prescription for the
archwire passage, each unique prescription defined by a unique
prescriptive force imparted by the associated archwire on the
patient's tooth when the associated archwire is received in the
archwire passage and when the bracket is coupled to the patient's
tooth.
[0249] E1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph E, wherein
the archwire passage includes at least one non-planar surface
configured to engage the associated archwire in more than one of
the plurality of orientations.
[0250] E2 The orthodontic appliance system of any of any of
paragraphs E-E1, wherein the archwire passage includes at least one
surface that includes a convex surface extending into the archwire
passage.
[0251] E2.1 The orthodontic appliance system of paragraph E2,
wherein the convex surface includes an apex, and wherein the
archwire passage is configured to selectively receive the
associated archwire so that it engages the convex surface on either
side of the apex.
[0252] E3 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
E-E2.1, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc. of the
systems of any of paragraphs A1-D3, including (but not limited to)
inclusion of one or more of a self-ligating feature, a ratcheting
closure, a prescriptive insert, a ratcheting prescriptive insert, a
non-planar archwire wall or surface, and a floating hinge.
[0253] E4 The orthodontic appliance system of any of paragraphs
E-E3, wherein the system includes any of the various features,
portions, components, variations, characteristics, etc. of the
bracket assemblies disclosed herein.
[0254] As used herein, "selective" and "selectively," when
modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of
one or more components or characteristics of an orthodontic
appliance according to the present disclosure, means that the
specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a
direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of or
one or more components of, the appliance, and/or is a direct or
indirect result of an action by another component of the appliance.
Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured"
mean that the corresponding component or element is designed and/or
implemented to perform the recited function. Thus the use of the
terms "adapted" and "configured" should not be construed to mean
that the corresponding component or element is simply "capable" of
performing or being modified or used to perform a given function,
as opposed to being specifically designed or implemented to perform
the function.
[0255] In the event that any of the references that are
incorporated by reference herein define a term in a manner or are
otherwise inconsistent with either the non-incorporated disclosure
of the present application or with any of the other incorporated
references, the non-incorporated disclosure of the present
application shall control and the term or terms as used therein
only control with respect to the patent document in which the term
or terms are defined.
[0256] The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct
inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions
has been disclosed in a preferred form or method, the specific
alternatives, embodiments, and/or methods thereof as disclosed and
illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as
numerous variations are possible. The present disclosure includes
all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the
various elements, features, functions, properties, methods and/or
steps disclosed herein. Similarly, where any disclosure above or
claim below recites "a" or "a first" element, step of a method, or
the equivalent thereof, such disclosure or claim should be
understood to include one or more such elements or steps, neither
requiring nor excluding two or more such elements or steps.
[0257] Applicants reserve the right to submit claims directed to
certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one
of the disclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and
non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties
may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of
new claims in that or a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or
directed to the same invention, whether different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also
regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of
the present disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0258] The orthodontic appliances of the present disclosure are
applicable to the orthodontic field.
* * * * *